Bridge Plating of Distal Radius Fractures
Distal radius fractures are among the most commonly treated fractures of the upper extremity. A multitude of surgical treatment options for these injuries have been described in the literature. The treatment of choice for these fractures is multifactorial in nature and should be based on fracture pattern, associated injuries, status of the surrounding soft tissue envelope, and patient demographics. The use of dorsal bridge plating has recently emerged as a useful treatment method for these injuries in multiple settings, including high-energy distal radius fractures with metaphyseal comminution, polytraumatized patients, and elderly patients with comminuted fractures who are reliant upon their upper extremities for mobilization. The dorsal bridge plate functions as an internal fixator construct, relying on ligamentotaxis across the radiocarpal joint to achieve and maintain fracture reduction. Dorsal bridge plating provides treating surgeons an alternative treatment option to spanning external fixation with lower complication rates and greater resistance to axial compression.
