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Internal distraction plating of distal radius fractures.

Publication ,  Journal Article
Papadonikolakis, A; Ruch, DS
Published in: Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg
March 2005

Internal distraction plating can be used for the treatment of highly comminuted distal radius fractures especially in elderly patients. The technique involves the use of 3.5, 2.7, or 2.5 dynamic compression plates. The instrumentation is applied in distraction dorsally from the radial diaphysis, bypassing the comminuted segment, and fixed distally to the long metacarpal. The advantages of this technique are: a) it can be used as an alternative for managing difficult fractures in the elderly population; b) it is indicated in patients with osteoporotic bone; c) complications associated with external pins are avoided; and d) the stability of the plate allows patients to use the extremity for transfer and activities of daily living. On the other hand, possible disadvantages to be considered are: a) the need of a second operation to remove the plate; and b) the prolonged duration of immobilization. Elderly patients with osteoporotic bone who undergo treatment of comminuted distal radius fractures may result in poor outcomes with high rates of complications if external fixation or standard internal fixation is used. The current approach represents an alternative that provides union of the fracture with excellent alignment, functional range of motion, and minimal functional disability.

Duke Scholars

Published In

Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg

DOI

ISSN

1089-3393

Publication Date

March 2005

Volume

9

Issue

1

Start / End Page

2 / 6

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Radius Fractures
  • Physical Therapy Modalities
  • Orthopedics
  • Humans
  • Fractures, Comminuted
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal
  • Contraindications
  • Bone Plates
  • 1103 Clinical Sciences
 

Citation

APA
Chicago
ICMJE
MLA
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Papadonikolakis, A., & Ruch, D. S. (2005). Internal distraction plating of distal radius fractures. Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg, 9(1), 2–6. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.bth.0000154445.61178.d3
Papadonikolakis, Anastasios, and David S. Ruch. “Internal distraction plating of distal radius fractures.Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg 9, no. 1 (March 2005): 2–6. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.bth.0000154445.61178.d3.
Papadonikolakis A, Ruch DS. Internal distraction plating of distal radius fractures. Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg. 2005 Mar;9(1):2–6.
Papadonikolakis, Anastasios, and David S. Ruch. “Internal distraction plating of distal radius fractures.Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg, vol. 9, no. 1, Mar. 2005, pp. 2–6. Pubmed, doi:10.1097/01.bth.0000154445.61178.d3.
Papadonikolakis A, Ruch DS. Internal distraction plating of distal radius fractures. Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg. 2005 Mar;9(1):2–6.

Published In

Tech Hand Up Extrem Surg

DOI

ISSN

1089-3393

Publication Date

March 2005

Volume

9

Issue

1

Start / End Page

2 / 6

Location

United States

Related Subject Headings

  • Radius Fractures
  • Physical Therapy Modalities
  • Orthopedics
  • Humans
  • Fractures, Comminuted
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal
  • Contraindications
  • Bone Plates
  • 1103 Clinical Sciences