• OBJECTIVES
    • To document the refracture rate after removal of internal fixation at the metaphyseal region of the distal radius and to compare this rate to that associated with diaphyseal plate removal reported in the literature.
  • DESIGN
    • A chart review with telephone follow-up.
  • SETTING
    • Three tertiary care hospitals (in Ottawa, Burlington, Vt., and London, Ont.).
  • PATIENTS
    • Fifty-three patients (54 radii) underwent elective removal of internal fixation of the distal radius after distal metaphyseal procedures. The mean follow-up was 46.8 months.
  • MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE
    • The refracture rate.
  • RESULTS
    • No refractures were reported after plate removal, and the overall complication rate was minimal.
  • CONCLUSIONS
    • The refracture rate at the metaphvsis of the radius after plate removal is lower than the rate after diaphyseal plate removal reported in the literature.