J. J. Dias

Complications after volar locking plate fixation of distal radius fractures

Volar locking plates are an increasingly popular treatment for distal radius fractures. We reviewed complications observed after volar locking plate fixation in a busy teaching hospital. The purpose of the study was to assess whether complication rates after volar locking plate use in general, routine trauma practice were higher than published literature from expert users. A retrospective review was carried out of patients treated with a volar locking plate between January 2009 and December 2010. The series included 206 procedures in 204 patients (77 males and 127 females) with mean age of 55 years (range 16-94). Surgery was performed by 18 different consultant surgeons and 11 registrars. A total of 22 complications were observed in 20 patients with an overall complication rate of 9.7%. Seven (3.4%) patients developed tendon problems including four (1.9%) tendon ruptures. Four (1.9%) patients required re-operation for metalwork problems; four patients developed complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Three fracture reduction problems were noted. A total of 16 further operations were carried out for complications. The overall complication rate was low even when surgery was done by many surgeons, suggesting that this is a safe and reproducible technique. This study provides information which can be used to counsel patients about risks, including those of tendon and metalwork problems. This allows patients to make an informed decision. Surgeons must have specific strategies to avoid these complications and remain vigilant so that these can be identified and managed early.

Osteoporosis and colles' fractures in the elderly

There is no documentation of the incidence of osteoporosis in patients with Colles fractures. We have prospectively studied 127 patients over the age of fifty with unilateral Colles fractures to determine the incidence of osteoporosis and to investigate its influence on the bony deformity. The cortical width of the second metacarpal was used as the indicator of osteoporosis. 74.8% of patients in this group were osteoporotic. The final deformity was significantly greater in patients with osteoporosis.

The radiological deformity of Colles' fractures

The behaviour of the bony deformity in Colles fractures and factors influencing this were prospectively investigated in 187 patients over the age of 55. Radiographic assessment was made throughout a 13-week period and during this time the deformity progressively recurred, even after the plaster cast had been removed. Radial length and radial deviation reverted virtually to their positions before reduction. Only those fractures with a volar tilt greater than -15 degrees when first seen showed any improvement. In all fractures the initial deformity clearly influenced the final radiological result whereas the quality of reduction was not of critical importance. The extent of dorsal comminution and quality of the bone influenced the final anatomical result in those fractures which were not manipulated.

Real Time Ultrasonography in the Assessment of Movement at the Site of a Scaphoid Fracture Non-Union

We investigated the use of real time linear ultrasonography in determining movement at a scaphoid fracture site in 27 patients with non-united scaphoid fractures. 24 of these patients had surgical treatment. Fracture movement was observed at the time of surgery and this was compared with the ultrasonographic findings. The technique proved to be 100% specific for visualization of movement at the fracture site and it was non-invasive. However, it was of no benefit in assessing proximal pole non-union.

Carpometacarpal dislocation of the thumb associated with fracture of the trapezium

Dislocation of the first carpometacarpal joint combined with a vertical intra-articular fracture of the trapezium is a rare injury. A case is described treated by open reduction of the trapezial fracture and reconstruction of the first intermetacarpal ligament using a slip of abductor pollicis longus tendon.

The incidence of simultaneous fractures of the scaphoid and radial head

In a 2-year period 181 scaphoid fractures were seen at our institution, of which 11 (6%) had a simultaneous fracture of the radial head. In four of these cases the scaphoid fracture was diagnosed late.

Recurrent anterior glenohumeral joint dislocation and torsion of the humerus

Two computerized axial tomographic sections, one taken just below the coracoid process and the other about 2.5 cm proximal to the interepicondylar line, were used to determine glenoid version and humeral torsion in 19 patients with recurrent anterior glenohumeral joint dislocation and in 23 controls. Analysis of interobserver variation revealed the method to be reliable. There was no difference in glenoid version between the two groups. However, humeral torsion was greater in patients (153 degrees) than in controls (144 degrees). It appears that increased humeral torsion may predispose to glenohumeral joint dislocation.

Comparison of distal radius fracture intra-articular step reduction with volar locking plates and K wires: a retrospective review of quality and maintenance of fracture reduction

This study investigated the accuracy and maintenance of reduction of intra-articular steps achieved with closed reduction and percutaneous K wires and open reduction and a volar locking plate for the treatment of intra-articular distal radius fractures. We performed a retrospective review of 359 patients with an intra-articular fracture of their distal radius. Multivariate linear regression was undertaken to investigate the influence of multiple variables such as age, gender, initial displacement and treatment method on reduction despite differences between groups. A total of 36% of patients treated with K wires and 29% with volar locking plate had a step greater than or equal to 1u2009mm present on the first post-operative radiograph. A total of 23% treated with K wires and 28% with volar locking plate had a residual step of 1u2009mm or more on the last available radiograph. There was no difference identified between the two techniques for quality of initial reduction or persisting step on the last available radiographs. Step behaviour and further reduction of step post-operatively was similar for both treatment methods. Initial displacement and increased age influenced initial reduction. Initial fracture displacement shown radiologically was the only variable identified that influenced the persistence of a step on post-operative radiographs. Level of evidence: IV

Delayed posterior interosseous nerve palsy: An unusual presentation of a forgotten glass injury

A case in which a glass foreign body caused a delayed posterior interosseous nerve palsy is described.

Bilateral torsion of the radius: a case report.

A case of bilateral non-traumatic torsion of the radius affecting forearm rotation is described.