title: The use of beta-tricalcium phosphate bone graft substitute in dorsally plated, comminuted distal radius fractures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Intraarticular distal radius fractures can be treated with many methods. While internal fixation with angle stable implants has become increasingly popular, the use of bone graft substitutes has also been recommended to address comminution zones and thus increase stability. Whether a combination of both methods will improve clinical outcomes was the purpose of the study
  
  
  METHODS
  The study was thus conducted as a prospective randomized clinical trial. 39 patients with unilateral, intraarticular fractures of the distal radius were included and randomized to 2 groups, one being treated with internal fixation only, while the second group received an additional bone graft substitute.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was no statistical significance between both groups in functional and radiological results. The occurrence of complications did also not show statistical significance.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  No advantage of additional granular bone graft substitutes could be seen in this study. Granular bone graft substitutes do not seem to provide extra stability if dorsal angle stable implants are used. Dorsal plates have considerable complication rates such as extensor tendon ruptures and development of CRPS.
authors: Department of Trauma-, Hand-, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany. Jakubietz_M@klinik.uni-wuerzburg.de
authors: Michael G
authors: MG
authors: Jakubietz
authors: Joerg G
authors: JG
authors: Gruenert
authors: Rafael G
authors: RG
authors: Jakubietz
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