title: Surgical correction of distal radius malunions using an anatomic radial locking plate.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Correction of a distal radius fracture malunion is challenging technically. These malunions most classically deform dorsally, but often the deformity involves three planes.
  
  
  METHODS
  Using an anatomically designed radial plate that takes into consideration the three planes, correction of the deformity can be obtained. In this video we see a patient with a classic dinner fork deformity that is associated with a dorsal malunion involving the distal radius. Correction of a distal radius malunion can be performed using a radial approach and an anatomic radial plate.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The authors have used this technique for difficult distal radius fracture malunions and have achieved superb correction, returning patients to early range of motion and an active lifestyle.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Careful mobilization of the branches of the lateral antebrachial cutaneous nerve and the superficial branch of the radial nerve is required. This technique affords the surgeon excellent access to three sides of the radius to help perform this complex surgery.
authors.affiliation: Texas Tech University HSC Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, 5001 El Paso Dr, El Paso, TX 79905 USA.
authors.forename: Alexander J
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-2699-0212
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Hutchinson
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery, William Beaumont Army Medical Center, 5005 N Piedras St, El Paso, TX 79920 USA.
authors.forename: John C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Dunn
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedic Surgery and Rehabilitation, Texas Tech University HSC Paul L. Foster School of Medicine, 4801 Alberta Ave., El Paso, TX 79905 USA.
authors.forename: Miguel A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Pirela-Cruz
keywords: Distal radius; Malunion; Radial approach; Radial locking plate