title: Intramedullary nailing for correction of post-traumatic deformity in late-diagnosed distal radius fractures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Post-traumatic deformity of the distal radius may lead to multiple sequelae and severe functional impairment. Intramedullary fixation is a novel technique for treatment of distal radius fractures. The present study aimed to evaluate the functional and radiographic outcomes of intramedullary nailing for correction of post-traumatic deformity in late-diagnosed fractures of the distal radius.
  
  
  METHODS
  From July 2009 to February 2011, 16 patients with late-diagnosed displaced fractures of the distal radius were included. Eligible inclusion was extra-articular fracture for more than 4 weeks. Surgical correction and internal fixation with intramedullary nailing was performed for treatment of ten AO type A2 and six AO type A3 fractures. All patients were followed up radiographically and clinically for an average of 20.3 months.
  
  
  RESULTS
  All fractures achieved bone union without major complications. Functional status and radiographic alignment significantly improved postoperatively. There was no significantly secondary displacement comparing early postoperative and final radiographic parameters. The functional results according to the Mayo wrist scoring system were good or excellent in 94 % of patients. The mean score was 83.8.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Surgical correction and internal fixation with the intramedullary nail is a feasible and less invasive technique with few complications in the treatment of post-traumatic deformity of the distal radius.
  
  
  METHODS
  IV.
authors.affiliation: Bone and Joint Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou & University College of Medicine, 5th, Fu-Shin St., Kweishan Dist, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan, ROC. alvinchen@cgmh.org.tw.
authors.forename: Alvin Chao-Yu
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-0111-490X
authors.initials: AC
authors.lastname: Chen
authors.affiliation: Bone and Joint Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou & University College of Medicine, 5th, Fu-Shin St., Kweishan Dist, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan, ROC.
authors.forename: Chun-Ying
authors.initials: CY
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.affiliation: Bone and Joint Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou & University College of Medicine, 5th, Fu-Shin St., Kweishan Dist, Taoyuan, 333, Taiwan, ROC.
authors.forename: Ying-Chao
authors.initials: YC
authors.lastname: Chou
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary; D006801:Humans; D016916:Joint Deformities, Acquired / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000150:complications / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D061665:Time-to-Treatment; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014955:Wrist Joint
keywords: Distal radius; Extra-articular fracture; Intramedullary fixation; Malunion