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. 2008 Mar;3(1):61-8.
doi: 10.1007/s11552-007-9066-y. Epub 2007 Aug 10.

Corrective osteotomy for deformity of the distal radius using a volar locking plate

Brett Peterson  1 , Varun Gajendran, Robert M Szabo
Affiliations

Corrective osteotomy for deformity of the distal radius using a volar locking plate

Brett Peterson et al. Hand (N Y). 2008 Mar.

Abstract

Dorsally angulated malunions of the distal radius have historically been corrected with an opening wedge osteotomy fixed with a dorsal plate. Volar locking plates may facilitate a less morbid approach to corrective osteotomies of the wrist. Eight consecutive patients with an average age of 40 years (range, 15-52 years) underwent correction of a distal radius deformity through a volar approach. Clinical follow-up averaged 17.4 months (range, 7-41 months). Preoperative radiographs revealed an average of 24 degrees of dorsal tilt in patients with dorsal deformity. Postoperatively, their average measurement was <3 degrees of volar tilt. Patients were initially ulnar-positive with an average of 4 mm ulnar-positive variance (range, 2-7 mm). This corrected to less than 1 mm postoperatively. Postoperative disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH), SF-12, and Mayo Wrist scores averaged 10.8, 40.5, and 82.5, respectively. There were no nonunions, and no plates required removal. Distal radius deformity can be effectively addressed through a volar approach with the use of a locking plate.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
a Preoperative radiographs of a patient with a dorsally angulated malunion of the distal radius. b Postoperative radiographs. At latest follow-up, the patient had near-normal grip strength and range of motion and no pain.
Figure 2
Figure 2
a Preoperative images of a 51-year-old woman with bilateral severe Madelung’s deformity. The patient was a smoker, and after her osteotomy, she was treated with an external bone stimulator. The patient had a Sauve–Kapandji for her DRUJ symptoms as well. b The patient healed her osteotomy and elected to have the same procedure done on her opposite wrist.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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