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Subject Area

Orthopedics

Article Type

Original Study

Abstract

Objective

To evaluate the results of corrective osteotomy of dorsal malunited fracture lower end radius using volar locking plates and bone block graft substitutes.

Background

Malunion of the distal radius usually occurs following conservative treatment. The indication for corrective osteotomy is symptomatic, rather than radiological malunion.

Patients and methods

All the patients had dorsally malunited (dorsal tilt) extra-articular distal radius fracture following conservative management. The mean time of postfracture intervention was 4 months (range, 3–5 months). All the patients underwent open wedge corrective osteotomy through the volar approach and fixation with volar locking plates and filling the osteotomy gap with bone block graft substitutes.

Results

A total of 12 patients (nine men, three women) were included in our study; their mean age was 39 years (range, 26–53 years). The dominant arm was involved in nine patients. All the patients had significant improvement in the range of wrist motion and forearm rotation. An excellent or good modified Mayo wrist score outcome had been achieved for all patients. The mean score was 85.4 (range, 90–80) at the end of follow-up.

Conclusion

Volar approach and the use of locking plates is an effective and safe technique in the treatment of malunited extra-articular fracture distal end radius.

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