title: Functional Outcomes Following Bridge Plate Fixation for Distal Radius Fractures.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To determine the functional outcomes of patients treated with dorsal spanning distraction bridge plate fixation for distal radius fractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  All adult patients at our institution who underwent treatment of a unilateral distal radius fracture using a dorsal bridge plate from 2008 to 2012 were identified retrospectively. Patients were enrolled in clinical follow-up to assess function. Wrist range of motion, grip strength, and extension torque were measured systematically and compared with the contralateral, uninjured wrist. Patients also completed Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation outcomes questionnaires.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eighteen of 100 eligible patients, with a minimum of 1 year from the time of implant removal, were available for follow-up (mean, 2.7 y). All fracture patterns were comminuted and intra-articular (AO 23.C3). There were significant decreases in wrist flexion (43° vs 58°), extension (46° vs 56°), and ulnar deviation (23° vs 29°) compared with the contralateral uninjured wrist. Grip strength was 86% and extension torque was 78% of the contralateral wrist. Comparison of dominant and nondominant wrist injuries identified nearly complete recovery of grip (95%) and extension (96%) strength of dominant-sided wrist injuries, compared with grip (79%) and extension (65%) strength in those with an injured nondominant wrist. Mean Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation scores were 16 and 14, respectively. There were 2 cases of postoperative surgical site pain and no cases of infection, tendonitis, or tendon rupture.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Distraction bridge plate fixation for distal radius fractures is safe with minimal complications. Functional outcomes are similar to those published for other treatment methods.
  
  
  METHODS
  Therapeutic IV.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA. Electronic address: lauder@uw.edu.
authors.forename: Alexander
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Lauder
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Northwestern University, Jesse Brown VAMC, Chicago, IL.
authors.forename: Sonya
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Agnew
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN.
authors.forename: Karim
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bakri
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
authors.forename: Christopher H
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Allan
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
authors.forename: Douglas P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Hanel
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
authors.forename: Jerry I
authors.initials: JI
authors.lastname: Huang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Distal radius fracture; bridge plating; distraction plate; functional outcome