A new modification of corrective osteotomy for treatment of distal radius malunion

Abstract

A new modification of corrective osteotomy for distal radius malunion, which minimizes the need for bone grafting and addresses the constraining aspect of the extensor retinaculum, is described. This new modification uses a volar and dorsal approach to perform an angled step-cut osteotomy, release of the extensor retinaculum, and volar plating. The typically dorsally extruded comminuted fracture fragments from the distal, dorsal compression fracture component of the distal radius fracture is mobilized with the distal fragment and acts as a dorsal strut graft to span the opening wedge, corrective osteotomy. Therefore, this new modification facilitates and improves the realignment of the malunited radius, while minimizing or eliminating the need for bone grafting.