Autologous Osteoarticular Transfer From the Lateral Femoral Condyle to the Scaphoid Facet in the Treatment of a Malunited Pediatric Distal Radius Fracture With Physeal Bar

Abstract

Background: Injury to the articular surface of the distal radius commonly occurs after a fall onto an outstretched hand. Intra-articular fractures that cause joint depression require operative intervention and can be especially challenging in skeletally immature patients. Methods: This case report describes the use of an osteoarticular autograft in the treatment of a 13-year-old boy with a malunited distal radius fracture. Results: Osteoarticular transfer from the lateral femoral condyle provided definitive treatment of the malunion and physeal bar and resulted in significant improvement in range of motion. Conclusions: Osteoarticular autograft can be safely used to treat malunions of distal radius articular surface depression fractures in skeletally immature patients.