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Review
. 2019 Sep;12(3):369-378.
doi: 10.1007/s12178-019-09568-0. Epub 2019 Jun 22.

Emerging Technologies in Distal Radius Fracture Fixation

Abdo Bachoura  1 , Eon K Shin  2
Affiliations
Review

Emerging Technologies in Distal Radius Fracture Fixation

Abdo Bachoura et al. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2019 Sep.

Abstract

Purpose of review: To provide an overview of emerging fixation constructs and materials used in the operative management of distal radius fractures.

Recent findings: The indications, advantages, and disadvantages of relatively new implants and devices used to treat distal radius fractures are discussed. These include the intramedullary nail, intramedullary cage, radiolucent volar locking plate, distal radius hemiarthroplasty, and bone graft substitutes. The spectrum of distal radius fracture patterns may make it impossible to depend on a single device for fixation, and surgeons managing distal radius fractures should be adept at using various surgical approaches, techniques, and hardware systems. Additional studies demonstrating the cost-effectiveness, biomechanical properties, and clinical outcomes will be useful in determining the utility of the described techniques.

Keywords: Bone graft; Distal radius fracture; Internal fixation.

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Conflict of interest statement

Abdo Bachoura declares that he has no conflict of interest. Eon K. Shin declares that he serves on the Scientific Advisory Board for In2Bones.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Micronail (Wright Medical, Arlington, TN), 3 years postoperatively (courtesy of Adam B. Strohl, MD, Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
a Conventus DRS implant (Conventus Orthopedics, Maple Grove, MN). b Pre-operative radiographs of a comminuted, intra-articular and dorsally angulated distal radius fracture (courtesy of ©Scott W. Wolfe, MD, 2019). c Postoperative radiographs of the patient in (b) demonstrating fracture fixation with the Conventus DRS implant (courtesy of ©Scott W. Wolfe, MD, 2019)
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
a Pre-operative radiographs of a comminuted, dorsally angulated distal radius fracture. b Postoperative radiographs demonstrating fracture fixation with the NeoView PEEK distal radius plate (In2Bones, Memphis, TN). The radiolucent volar plate is transfixed by titanium cortical and locking screws. The proximal extent of the plate is indicated by a longitudinally oriented tantalum marker. c Intraoperative photograph of the NeoView PEEK distal radius plate
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Distal radius fracture hemiarthroplasty (Zimmer Biomet, Warsaw, IN) used to salvage failed open fixation of a comminuted intra-articular distal radius fracture (courtesy of Randall W. Culp, MD, Philadelphia Hand to Shoulder Center)
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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