title: Intra-operative correction of volar tilt of distal radius fractures using volar locking plate as reduction tool: review of 24 cases.
abstract: In surgical fixation of distal radius fractures with metaphyseal comminution, volar tilt can be restored using an anatomical volar locking plate as a reduction tool. The purpose of our study is to assess the degree of over or under correction of volar tilt that can result with our 'lift' technique and to determine the ratio between theoretical and actual angular correction. We retrospectively reviewed 24 patients who underwent distal radius fracture fixation using this technique and assessed intra-operative radiographs for parameters including pre-'lift' and post-'lift' volar tilt and pre-'lift' plate-shaft angles. The ratio between actual angular correction and theoretical angular correction was calculated. The 'lift' technique is found to be reliable in restoring volar tilt in most fractures. Over- or under-correction does occur due to errors in visual estimation and actual angular correction is generally less than the theoretical angular correction.
authors.affiliation: Hand and Microsurgery Section, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.
authors.forename: Sechachalam
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sreedharan
authors.forename: Muhammad Farhan
authors.initials: MF
authors.lastname: Mohd Fadil
authors.forename: Winston Shang Rong
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Lim
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053401:Palmar Plate / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: 'Lift' Technique; Distal Radius Fractures; Fracture Reduction Tool; Volar Locking Plate; Volar Tilt Correction