title: Minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis for distal radius fractures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Fractures of distal radius are common injury in all age groups. Cast treatment with or without close reduction is a viable option. However, the results are often unsatisfactory with restricted function. The open reduction and internal fixation often results in extensive soft tissue dissection and associated high rates of infect and delayed/nonunion. The distractor/external fixator have reported good functional and anatomical results but the incidence of pin traction infection nerve injury and cosmedic deformity are high. We introduced a modified operative technique for minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) for distal radial fracture and evaluated the functional outcomes and complications.
  
  
  METHODS
  22 distal radial fractures (10 left, 12 right) were treated using the MIPO technique and two small incisions with a palmar locking plate from August 2009 to August 2010. The wrist function was assessed according to Dienst wrist rating system, and postoperative complications were recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  According to Dienst wrist rating system, 13 patients showed excellent results, 6 cases showed good results and 3 patients had moderate results. No patient had poor results. Thus, the excellent and good rate was 86.4%. One patient had anesthesia in the thenar eminence and this symptom disappeared after 3 months. One patient had delayed healing in the proximal wrist crease. Two patients had mild pain on the ulnar side of the wrist and two patients had limited wrist joint function.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The MIPO technique by using two small palmar incisions is safe and effective for treatment of distal radial fractures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Wuxi Hand Surgery Hospital, Wuxi 214062, China.
authors.forename: Xu-Ming
authors.initials: XM
authors.lastname: Wei
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Wuxi Hand Surgery Hospital, Wuxi 214062, China.
authors.forename: Zhen-Zhong
authors.initials: ZZ
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Wuxi Hand Surgery Hospital, Wuxi 214062, China.
authors.forename: Yong-Jun
authors.initials: YJ
authors.lastname: Rui
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, Wuxi Hand Surgery Hospital, Wuxi 214062, China.
authors.forename: Xiao-Jun
authors.initials: XJ
authors.lastname: Song
keywords: Distal radius fracture; minimally invasive plate fixation; palmar locking plate