Corrective distal radius osteotomy following fracture malunion using a fixed-angle volar locking plate

Abstract

Post-traumatic distal radius deformity may cause severe morbidity, and corrective osteotomy is often necessary to realign the functional axis of the wrist to correct symptomatic malunion. The aim of this retrospective study was to review the short-term results of a single surgeon’s series of distal radius corrective osteotomies following fracture malunion using a fixed-angle volar locking plate for 20 patients (26 women) of an average age of 57 (range 19–83) years. At short-term follow up (average 14 months, range 12–15 months), no complications were noted and radiological union was confirmed in all cases at an average of 3 months. The average post-operative Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score was 13.48 (range 0–48.33) and an objective improvement was noted in movements at the wrist joint. A statistically significant improvement was achieved in ulnar variance, radial inclination, dorsal tilt, and supination.