Treatment of Intra-articular Distal Radius Fractures

Abstract

This review of current literature discusses the morphology of the volar aspect of the distal radius; the surgical procedure, arthroscopic findings, and clinical results of a plate presetting and arthroscopic reduction technique for acute intra-articular fractures; and a novel simulation guidance system for malunited intra-articular fractures. Classification of intra-articular distal radius fractures is also discussed, focusing on central depression fracture fragments, associated soft tissue injuries, and results for measuring scapholunate distances at different sites. Problems of the distal radioulnar joint are reviewed, in particular, functional outcomes of the authors' prospective cohort study on unstable intra-articular fractures involving the distal radioulnar joint.

Keywords: Arthroscopy; Distal radioulnar joint; Fracture malunion; Intra-articular distal radius fracture; Scapholunate ligament; Triangular fibrocartilage complex.