title: The extended flexor carpi radialis approach for partially healed malaligned fractures of the distal radius.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study is to evaluate the safety and utility of the extended flexor carpi radialis (FCR) exposure and volar locking plate fixation for partially healed malaligned fractures of distal radius.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty-five patients with a partially healed malaligned fracture of the distal radius had realignment of the fracture using an extended FCR approach (release of the insertion of the brachioradialis and dorsal periosteum) and volar locked plate and screw fixation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Retrospective review an average of 20 months after the index operation patients identified an average wrist extension of 68°, flexion of 64°, pronation of 84° and supination of 85°. Radial inclination, volar tilt and ulnar variance significantly improved compared to preoperative radiographs. All fractures healed, and there were no infections, implant loosening or breakage or tendon ruptures.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrated that the extended FCR approach is safe and effective as a treatment method for nascent malunions of the distal radius.
authors.affiliation: Massachusetts General Hospital, Orthopeadic Hand and Upper Extremity Service, Yawkey Center Suite 2100, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
authors.forename: Mathieu M E
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Wijffels
authors.forename: Jorge L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Orbay
authors.forename: Igor
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Indriago
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ring
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D017760:Bone Malalignment / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011403:Pronation; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013484:Supination; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery