Introduction Overview distal radius fractures are the most common orthopaedic injury treatment is based on fracture pattern and stability Epidemiology incidence accounts for 17.5% of all fractures in adults demographics more common in females (2-3:1) bimodal distribution younger patients due to high energy mechanisms older patients due to low energy mechanisms (i.e. FOOSH) location intraarticular in 50% risk factors osteoporosis high incidence of distal radius fractures in women > 50 years old distal radius fractures are a predictor of subsequent fractures DEXA scan is recommended for women with distal radius fractures Pathophysiology mechanism of injury usually FOOSH can also be due to higher energy mechanisms Associated conditions DRUJ injuries must be evaluated radial styloid fractures indicates higher energy mechanism soft tissue injuries seen in 70% TFCC injury (40%) scapholunate ligament injury (30%) lunotriquetral ligament injury (15%) Prognosis poorer functional outcomes associated with worker's compensation low socioeconomic status low education levels low bone density successful outcomes correlate with accuracy of articular reduction restoration of anatomic relationships early efforts to regain motion of wrist and fingers Anatomy Distal radius responsible for 80% of axial load articulates with scaphoid via scaphoid fossa lunate via lunate fossa distal ulna via ulnar/sigmoid notch Classification Fernandez based on mechanism of injury Frykman based on joint involvement (radiocarpal and/or radioulnar) +/- ulnar styloid fx Melone divides intra-articular fxs into 4 types based on displacement AO comprehensive but cumbersome Eponyms Eponyms Die-punch fx Depressed fracture of the lunate fossa of the articular surface of the distal radius Barton's fx Fracture-dislocation of radiocarpal joint with intra-articular fx involving the volar or dorsal lip (volar Barton or dorsal Barton fx) Chauffer's fx Radial styloid fx x Colles' fx Low energy, dorsally displaced, extra-articular fx Smith's fx Low energy, volarly displaced, extra-articular fx Presentation History usually a fall onto outstretched hand (FOOSH) Physical exam ecchymosis & swelling diffuse tenderness visible deformity if displaced Imaging Radiographs recommended views AP lateral oblique findings View Measurement Normal Acceptable criteria AP Radial height 13mm < 5mm shortening Radial inclination 23° change < 5° Articular stepoff congruous < 2 mm stepoff Lateral Volar tilt 11° dorsal angulation < 5° or within 20° of contralateral distal radius CT scans indications evaluate intra-articular involvement surgical planning MRI indications evaluate for soft tissue injury TFCC injuries scapholunate ligament injuries (DISI) lunotriquetral injuries (VISI) Treatment Nonoperative closed reduction and splint/cast immobilization indications extra-articular < 5mm radial shortening dorsal angulation < 5° or within 20° of contralateral distal radius Operative CRPP indications extra-articular with stable volar cortex ORIF indications radiographic findings indicating instability (pre-reduction radiographs best predictor of stability) dorsal angulation > 5° or > 20° of contralateral distal radius volar or dorsal comminution displaced intra-articular fractures > 2mm radial shortening > 5mm associated ulnar fracture associated ulnar styloid fractures do not require fixation severe osteoporosis articular margin fractures (dorsal and volar Barton fractures) comminuted and displaced extra-articular fractures (Smith's fractures) die-punch fractures progressive loss of volar tilt and loss of radial length following closed reduction and casting external fixation indications open fractures highly comminuted fractures medically unstable patients unable to undergo a lengthy procedure alone cannot reliably restore 10 degree palmar tilt therefore usually combined with percutaneous pinning technique or plate fixation Techniques Closed reduction and splint/cast immobilization technique reduction requires adequate anesthesia apply longitudinal traction and volar/dorsal pressure to the distal fracture fragment immobilization avoid positions of extreme flexion and ulnar deviation (Cotton-Loder Position) due to risk of carpal tunnel syndrome rehabilitation no significant benefit of physical therapy over home exercises for simple distal radius fractures treated with cast immobilization outcomes repeat closed reductions have < 50% satisfactory results LaFontaine predictors of instability patients with three or more factors have high chance of loss of reduction dorsal angulation > 20° dorsal comminution > 50%, palmar comminution, intraarticular comminution initial displacement > 1cm initial radial shortening > 5mm associated ulnar fracture severe osteoporosis radial shortening is the most predictive of instability, followed by dorsal comminution complications specific to this treatment acute carpal tunnel syndrome EPL rupture CRPP technique Kapandji intrafocal technique K wires are placed dorsally into the fracture and used as reduction tools until they are driven into the proximal radius Rayhack technique with arthroscopically assisted reduction complications specific to this treatment radial sensory nerve injury pin tract infections outcomes 82-90% good results if used appropriately ORIF types volar plating preferred over dorsal plating associated with irritation of both flexor and extensor tendons rupture of FPL is most common with volar plates associated with plate placement distal to watershed area, the most volar margin of the radius closest to the flexor tendons new volar locking plates offer improved support to subchondral bone dorsal plating indicated for displaced intra-articular distal radius fractures with dorsal comminution historically associated with extensor tendon irritation and rupture technique can combine with external fixation and percutaneous pinning perform bone grafting if complex and comminuted study showed improved results with arthroscopically-assisted reduction volar lunate facet fragments may require fragment-specific fixation to prevent early postoperative failure complications specific to this treatment screw penetration into the radiocarpal joint or DRUJ assess intra-articular screws with a 23 degree elevated lateral view assess dorsal cortex penetration with a skyline view tendon rupture External fixation types spanning ex-fix useful for fractures with small articular fragment non-spanning ex-fix useful for fractures with large articular fragment technique relies on ligamentotaxis to maintain reduction place radial shaft pins under direct visualization to avoid injury to superficial radial nerve avoid overdistraction (carpal distraction < 5mm in neutral position) and excessive volar flexion and ulnar deviation limit duration to 8 weeks and perform aggressive OT to maintain digital ROM complications specific to this treatment malunion/nonunion stiffness and decreased grip strength pin complications (infections, fractures through pin site, skin difficulties) pin site care comprising daily showers and dry dressings recommended neurologic (iatrogenic injury to radial sensory nerve, median neuropathy, RSD) outcomes important adjunct with 80-90% good/excellent results Complications Median nerve neuropathy (CTS) most frequent neurologic complication seen in 1-12% of low energy fxs and 30% of high energy fxs prevent by avoiding immobilization in excessive wrist flexion and ulnar deviation (Cotton-Loder Position) treat with acute carpal tunnel release for progressive paresthesias, weakness in thumb opposition paresthesias that do not respond to reduction and last > 24-48 hours Ulnar nerve neuropathy seen with DRUJ injuries EPL rupture nondisplaced distal radial fractures have a higher rate of spontaneous rupture of the EPL tendon extensor mechanism is thought to impinge on the tendon following a nondisplaced fracture and causes either a mechanical attrition or a local area of ischemia in the tendon treat with EIP to EPL transfer FPL rupture very distal volar plate placement on the radius (distal to watershed line) is associated with FPL rupture due to physical contact of tendon on plate and subsequent tendinopathy Radiocarpal arthrosis (2-30%) 90% young adults will develop symptomatic arthrosis if articular stepoff > 1-2mm may also be nonsymptomatic Malunion/nonunion intra-articular malunion treat with revision at > 6 weeks extra-articular angulation malunion treat with opening wedge osteotomy with ORIF and bone grafting radial shortening malunion radial shortening associated with greatest loss of wrist function and degenerative changes in extra-articular fractures treat with ulnar shortening ECU or EDM entrapment seen with DRUJ injury Compartment syndrome RSD/CRPS AAOS 2010 clinical practice guidelines recommend vitamin C supplementation to prevent incidence of RSD postoperatively
Technique Guide Technique guide are not considered high yield topics for orthopaedic standardized exams including the ABOS, EBOT and RC. Distal Radius Intraarticular Fracture ORIF with Dorsal Approach Orthobullets Team Trauma - Distal Radius Fractures Technique Guide Technique guide are not considered high yield topics for orthopaedic standardized exams including the ABOS, EBOT and RC. Distal Radius Extra-articular Fracture ORIF with Volar Appr Orthobullets Team Trauma - Distal Radius Fractures Technique Guide Technique guide are not considered high yield topics for orthopaedic standardized exams including the ABOS, EBOT and RC. Distal Radius Fracture Non-Spanning External Fixator Orthobullets Team Trauma - Distal Radius Fractures Technique Guide Technique guide are not considered high yield topics for orthopaedic standardized exams including the ABOS, EBOT and RC. Distal Radius Fracture Spanning External Fixator Orthobullets Team Trauma - Distal Radius Fractures
QUESTIONS 1 of 34 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 Previous Next Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK (OBQ10.127) A 67-year-old woman slips on the ice while retrieving her mail and lands on her outstretched left hand. She complains of wrist pain and deformity. On physical exam she has no sensation of the volar thumb, index, and middle fingers. Radiographs are provided in Figure A. Two hours following closed reduction, the deformity is corrected, but the numbness and wrist pain is worsening. Which of the following interventions should be taken? Review Topic QID: 3224 FIGURES: A 1 Evaluation of volar compartment pressures with a needle monitor 3% (51/1743) 2 Icing and elevation of the arm with follow-up evaluation in 8 hours 3% (49/1743) 3 Immediate EMG evaluation of the left upper extremity 1% (9/1743) 4 Closed reduction, carpal tunnel release, and sugar tong splinting 3% (53/1743) 5 Emergent open reduction internal fixation with carpal tunnel release 90% (1570/1743) ML 1 Select Answer to see Preferred Response PREFERRED RESPONSE 5 (OBQ12.244) A 65-year-old female sustains a fall onto her outstretched right hand. The injury is closed and she is neurovascularly intact. There is no median nerve paresthesias. Radiographs are shown in Figures A and B. What is the next best step in management of this patient? Review Topic QID: 4604 FIGURES: A B 1 Admit for acute carpal tunnel syndrome monitoring 1% (11/1351) 2 Admit for acute open reduction/internal fixation 1% (19/1351) 3 Place into removable soft splint and follow-up in clinic 5% (68/1351) 4 Place into rigid splint and follow-up in clinic 90% (1219/1351) 5 Place into rigid splint and schedule for outpatient open reduction/internal fixation 2% (30/1351) ML 1 Select Answer to see Preferred Response PREFERRED RESPONSE 4 Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK (OBQ07.226) A 54-year-old male falls from a ladder and sustains the fracture shown in Figure A. Which of the following factors has been associated with redisplacement of the fracture after closed manipulation? Review Topic QID: 887 FIGURES: A 1 Triangular fibrocartilage complex tear 6% (38/642) 2 Open injury 1% (4/642) 3 Ipsilateral radial head fracture 5% (29/642) 4 Time to reduction 2% (10/642) 5 Severity of initial displacement 87% (559/642) ML 1 Select Answer to see Preferred Response PREFERRED RESPONSE 5 Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK (OBQ13.78) A 45-year-old construction worker sustains a fall and presents with an isolated injury to his upper extremity. Radiographs of the affected wrist are shown in Figure A. After soft tissue swelling subsides, open reduction and internal fixation of the distal radius is performed. Following fixation, a "shuck" test is performed and shows persistent instability of the distal radioulnar joint. Incompetence of which of the following anatomic structures is the most likely etiology of this finding? Review Topic QID: 4713 FIGURES: A 1 Radioulnar ligaments of the TFCC 88% (5962/6763) 2 Ulnar collateral ligament 1% (87/6763) 3 Fracture fixation 2% (157/6763) 4 Ulnolunate ligament of the TFCC 3% (222/6763) 5 Ulnotriquetral ligament of the TFCC 4% (299/6763) ML 2 Select Answer to see Preferred Response PREFERRED RESPONSE 1 (OBQ09.254) A 64-year-old female sustains a nondisplaced distal radius fracture and undergoes closed treatment using a cast. Three months after the fracture she reports an acute loss of her ability to extend her thumb. What is the most likely etiology of her new loss of function? Review Topic QID: 3067 1 Posterior interosseous nerve entrapment 7% (45/669) 2 Extensor pollicis longus rupture 81% (543/669) 3 Extensor pollicis longus entrapment 7% (46/669) 4 Distal radius malunion 1% (9/669) 5 Intersection syndrome 3% (21/669) ML 1 Select Answer to see Preferred Response PREFERRED RESPONSE 2 (OBQ06.102) Spontaneous rupture of the extensor pollicis longus tendon is most frequently associated with which of the following scenarios? Review Topic QID: 288 1 Non-displaced distal radius fracture 82% (425/520) 2 Non-displaced Rolando fracture 6% (31/520) 3 Second metacarpal base fracture 5% (28/520) 4 Boxer's fracture 1% (5/520) 5 Non-displaced radial styloid fracture 5% (26/520) ML 1 Select Answer to see Preferred Response PREFERRED RESPONSE 1 (OBQ12.105) A 17-year-old male falls from a retaining wall onto his left arm. He sustains the injury shown in Figure A. The patient undergoes open reduction and internal fixation of the fracture. Upon discharge from the hospital the medication reconciliation includes an order for daily Vitamin C 500mg supplementation. This medication is given in an effort to decrease the incidence of which of the following? Review Topic QID: 4465 FIGURES: A 1 Upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) 1% (46/4615) 2 Acute carpal tunnel syndrome (ACTS) 2% (98/4615) 3 Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) 92% (4245/4615) 4 Lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) 0% (21/4615) 5 Surgical site infection (SSI) 4% (181/4615) ML 1 Select Answer to see Preferred Response PREFERRED RESPONSE 3 (OBQ12.38) A 68-year-old male falls onto his outstretched hand and suffers the injury shown in Figures A and B. He undergoes operative treatment of his fracture, and immediate post-op radiographs are shown in Figure C. Two weeks later he presents with significantly increased pain and deformity. He denies any new trauma, and has followed all post-operative activity restrictions. Current radiographs are shown in Figure D and a clinical photograph of the affected wrist is shown in Figure E. Which of the following is the most likely cause for failure of fixation in this patient? Review Topic QID: 4398 FIGURES: A B C D E 1 Failure to support the lunate facet with fragment specific fixation 75% (2335/3098) 2 Use of a non-locking plate 6% (196/3098) 3 Lack of volar tilt restoration 4% (130/3098) 4 Lack of radial styloid column plating 7% (213/3098) 5 Use of only three bicortical screws in the intact radial shaft proximally 6% (196/3098) ML 2 Select Answer to see Preferred Response PREFERRED RESPONSE 1 (OBQ06.60) A 46-year-old woman sustains an extra-articular fracture of the distal radius and undergoes open reduction and internal fixation with a volar plate and screw construct. During postoperative recovery from this injury, what benefit does formal physical therapy have as compared to a patient-guided home exercise program? Review Topic QID: 171 1 Greater grip strength at 6 months 10% (54/549) 2 Less wrist pain at 1 year 1% (7/549) 3 Better hand dexterity at 1 year 2% (9/549) 4 No difference in functional outcomes 75% (410/549) 5 Quicker return to work 11% (59/549) ML 2 Select Answer to see Preferred Response PREFERRED RESPONSE 4 (OBQ08.179) A 51-year-old female presents with an acute inability to extend her thumb, four months after she was treated with cast immobilization for a minimally-displaced distal radius fracture. What is the most appropriate treatment at this time? Review Topic QID: 565 1 Occupational therapy for strengthening 5% (92/1921) 2 Extensor carpi radialis longus transfer to extensor pollicus longus 4% (69/1921) 3 Extensor pollicis brevis transfer to extensor pollicus longus 2% (44/1921) 4 Extensor indicis proprius transfer to extensor pollicus longus 77% (1482/1921) 5 Primary repair of extensor pollicus longus 12% (226/1921) ML 2 Select Answer to see Preferred Response PREFERRED RESPONSE 4 (OBQ04.233) A 32-year-old ballet dancer sustains a distal radius fracture, and is subsequently closed reduced and casted. She presents 11 months later with the radiograph seen in Figure A, complaining of significant wrist pain. What is the appropriate surgical treatment at this time? Review Topic QID: 1338 FIGURES: A 1 Distal radius corrective osteotomy 92% (543/592) 2 Total wrist arthrodesis 1% (6/592) 3 Proximal row carpectomy 4% (23/592) 4 Scaphoid excision and four corner fusion 2% (11/592) 5 Interposition arthroplasty 1% (3/592) ML 1 Select Answer to see Preferred Response PREFERRED RESPONSE 1 (OBQ11.273) A 63-year-old female sustained a distal radius and associated ulnar styloid fracture 3 months ago after being involved in a motor vehicle collision. Radiographs obtained at the time of injury are shown in Figure A. She underwent open reduction and fixation of the distal radius fracture, and current radiographs are shown in Figure B. At the time of the index operation, there was no distal radioulnar joint instability after plating of the radius. Which of the following is true post-operatively regarding this patient's ulnar styloid fracture? Review Topic QID: 3696 FIGURES: A B 1 Worse outcomes on the Mayo wrist score are expected without fixation 2% (47/2547) 2 Chronic distal radioulnar joint instability can be expected to occur without fixation 3% (67/2547) 3 Wrist function depends on the level of ulnar styloid fracture and initial displacement 12% (300/2547) 4 Grip strength and wrist range of motion are improved with fixation 3% (64/2547) 5 There is no adverse effect on wrist function or stability without fixation 81% (2052/2547) ML 2 Select Answer to see Preferred Response PREFERRED RESPONSE 5 (OBQ07.8) Twelve months after open reduction and internal fixation of a comminuted distal radius fracture as seen in Figure A and B, which of the following tendons is at greatest risk of rupture? Review Topic QID: 669 FIGURES: A B 1 Abductor Pollicis Longus 5% (55/1041) 2 Extensor Pollicis Brevis 9% (90/1041) 3 Extensor Indicis Proprius 17% (174/1041) 4 Flexor Pollicis Brevis 1% (15/1041) 5 Flexor Pollicis Longus 67% (702/1041) ML 3 Select Answer to see Preferred Response PREFERRED RESPONSE 5 (OBQ06.136) A 25-year-old female falls from her horse and injures her left wrist. There are no open wounds and the hand is neurovascularly intact. Radiographs are provided in Figures A-C. Which of the following will best achieve anatomic reduction, restore function, and prevent future degenerative changes of the wrist? Review Topic QID: 322 FIGURES: A B C 1 Long arm cast above the elbow for 6 weeks 0% (2/607) 2 Long arm cast for 3 weeks followed by a short arm cast for 3 additional weeks 0% (2/607) 3 Closed reduction and external fixation 1% (8/607) 4 Closed reduction and percutaneous pinning 1% (7/607) 5 Open reduction and internal fixation 97% (586/607) ML 1 Select Answer to see Preferred Response PREFERRED RESPONSE 5 (OBQ05.195) A 58-year-old man underwent distal radius ORIF with a volar locking plate yesterday. Preoperatively, he reported some mild sensory disturbances in the volar thumb and index finger, but had 2-point discrimination of 6mm in each finger. Now, he complains of worsening hand pain and sensory disturbances in his volar thumb and index finger. Two-point discrimination is now >10mm in these fingers. Radiographs show a well-fixed fracture in good alignment. What is the most appropriate treatment at this time? Review Topic QID: 1081 1 Strict elevation 6% (118/2031) 2 Removal of hardware 1% (24/2031) 3 Immediate carpal tunnel release 90% (1825/2031) 4 Carpal tunnel release if no resolution at 6-12 weeks 2% (47/2031) 5 Trial of night splinting 1% (13/2031) ML 1 Select Answer to see Preferred Response PREFERRED RESPONSE 3 (OBQ05.25) A 70-year-old woman with known osteoporosis sustains a distal radius fracture of her dominant arm with some metaphyseal comminution. Adequate maintenance of reduction by non-operative treatment is unsuccesful. Which plating option provides the most appropriate treatment of this fracture? Review Topic QID: 62 1 semitubular 1% (5/650) 2 dynamic compression 4% (27/650) 3 limited-contact dynamic compression 4% (29/650) 4 peri-articular locked 90% (584/650) 5 pelvic reconstruction 0% (1/650) ML 1 Select Answer to see Preferred Response PREFERRED RESPONSE 4 Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK Sorry, this question is for PEAK Premium Subscribers only Upgrade to PEAK
Login to View Community Videos Login to View Community Videos California Orthopaedic Association Annual Meeting - 2018 Distal Radius Fractures- The Volar Plate is NOT the Panacea - Raymond Raven, MD (COA 2018, 9.1) Trauma - Distal Radius Fractures 8/30/2018 646 views Login to View Community Videos Login to View Community Videos California Orthopaedic Association Annual Meeting - 2017 Current Concepts in the Management of Distal Radius Fractures – Gregory Rafijah, M.D.(COA 2017, 5.3) Trauma - Distal Radius Fractures 4/12/2018 620 views Login to View Community Videos Login to View Community Videos 29th Orthopaedic Trauma - What We Need to Know in 2017 Distal Radius Fracture - : What's New? - Melvin P. Rosenwasser, MD - (NYT #17 - S3-4 - 2017) Melvin Rosenwasser Trauma - Distal Radius Fractures 10/3/2017 892 views See More See Less
Distal third radius and ulna fracture, extra-articular, + ulnar fracture, in 71-year-old female (C101046) Trauma - Distal Radius Fractures HPI - A 71-year-old female presents with pain and swelling in the wrist and forearm after a ground-level fall 2 days ago. She was initially treated with closed reduction and cast immobilization. Radiographs are shown before and after reduction. How would you treat this fracture based on the post-reduction radiographs? 3/1/2018 830 12 1 Distal third radius and ulna fracture, extra-articular, + ulnar styloid fracture, in 54-year-old female (C101041) Trauma - Distal Radius Fractures HPI - A 54-year-old female presents pain and swelling in the wrist and forearm after a ground-level fall 7 days ago. She was initially treated with closed reduction and cast immobilization. Radiographs are shown before and after reduction. How would you treat this fracture based on the post-reduction radiographs? 2/16/2018 8013 13 21 Distal both bone forearm fracture in a 40M (C2899) Trauma - Distal Radius Fractures HPI - History of fall down on left wrist one month ago. The patient is neurovascular intact. The fracture was an open fracture (type 1) with a small wound on the volar aspect of the distal ulna. At the time of the injury, this was treated operatively with irrigation and debridement and placement of an ex-fix spanning the fractures. Currently, the wound has healed. There is no sign of infection. CRP and ESR are normal. XRays are shown. How would you manage this patient at this time? 1/7/2018 164 2 12 See More See Less