New Technique for Dorsal Fragment Reduction in Distal Radius Fractures by Using Volar Bone Fenestration.
BACKGROUND
For intra-articular distal radius fractures (AO Classification, type B2) with a displaced dorsal fragment, there remains much discussion on the fixation method for the dorsal fragment. To reduce the displaced dorsal fragment, we developed a new technique consisting of fenestration of the volar bone cortex, reduction using an intramedullary procedure, and fixation using a volar plate. This avoids necessity of dorsal approach.


METHODS
We performed this surgical technique in 2 patients and achieved a good reduced position without much injury to the bone cortex at the site of volar plate placement. This surgical technique allows reduction of the dorsal fragment using an intramedullary procedure by only a volar approach, and, therefore, does not affect the dorsal soft tissue (extensor tendon). For intra-articular distal radius fractures, complete reduction of the articular surface is extremely difficult, and, in patients with a remaining gap on the articular surface, a variable angle locking screw system may be useful. In the 2 patients, the angle of the locking screw was adjusted to catch the displaced dorsal fragment, and adequate reduction and fixation could be achieved.


CONCLUSIONS
This technique using fenestration of the volar bone cortex allows reduction and fixation of the displaced dorsal fragment in distal radius fractures and thus avoids the necessity of a dorsal approach.
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, 1129 Nagaoka, Izunokuni, Shizuoka, 410-2295 Japan; Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Niigata City General Hospital, 463-7 Shumoku, Chuo-ku, Niigata 950-1197 Japan.
Fumika
F
Tsuchiya
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, 1129 Nagaoka, Izunokuni, Shizuoka, 410-2295 Japan.
Kiyohito
K
Naito
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, 1129 Nagaoka, Izunokuni, Shizuoka, 410-2295 Japan.
Atsuhiko
A
Mogami
Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Juntendo University Shizuoka Hospital, 1129 Nagaoka, Izunokuni, Shizuoka, 410-2295 Japan.
Osamu
O
Obayashi
distal radius fracture; dorsal fragment; intramedullary reduction procedure; volar plate