Good radiological and functional results after intramedullary nailing of distal radius fractures. Issue 4 (September 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Dremstrup, Lene; Skjærbæk, Mette S.; Olesen, Steen; Høgh, Anette; Hansen, Torben B.
• Is Part Of: Journal of plastic surgery and hand surgery. Volume 47:Issue 4(2013)
• Page Start: 286
• Page End: 288
• Publication Date: 2013-09
• Subjects: Surgery -- Periodicals; Hand -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Orthopedics -- Periodicals; Surgery, Plastic -- Periodicals; 617.95
• DOI: 10.3109/2000656X.2012.760466
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2000-656X

Abstract

<abstract> <title>Abstract</title> <p>To evaluate the results after fixation of distal radius fractures using Micronail® internal fixation, a prospective cohort study was performed, including displaced fractures of the distal radius (AO type A 2.2, A3.1, and A3.2). In total, 60 patients were included and 44 patients were available for 1-year follow-up (radiological and clinical examination) and 39 for 5-year follow-up (telephone interview). It was found that all fractures healed, with an average radial volar tilt of 2°, radial length of 11 mm, and a radial inclination of 22°. The functional result was excellent-to-good in 93% of the patients. Thirteen patients (30%) reported paraesthesia of the superficial branch of the radial nerve at the 1-year follow-up. In four patients the paraesthesia of the radial nerve was persistent. No other complications or reoperations were reported by the patients at the 5-year follow-up and only one implant had been removed. The study confirms that the Micronail® is a minimal invasive method that can provide a stable fixation of selected distal radius fractures and provide a good functional outcome with a very low need of implant removal after fracture healing with few complications related to the operation, the main complication being permanent damage to the radial nerve.</p> </abstract>