PEEK radiolucent plate for distal radius fractures: multicentre clinical results at 12 months follow up

Injury. 2017 Oct:48 Suppl 3:S34-S38. doi: 10.1016/S0020-1383(17)30655-1.

Abstract

Introduction: Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with plate and screws represents the recommended treatment for unstable intra-articular distal radius fractures. Although significant progresses in surgical technique have been made, anatomical reconstruction of radio-carpal articular surface still represent a difficult task, especially in multifragmentary fractures. Available PEEK reinforced-carbon fiber composite radiolucent devices allow both an easier and more careful assessment of intra-operative reduction of the articular surface of distal radius and prompt correction of any residual step deformity.

Materials and methods: We retrospectively reviewed clinical and radiological multicentre results of 71 consecutive AO B and C fracture pattern of distal radius treated using the same PEEK reinforced-carbon fiber composite radiolucent plate.

Results: Three patients lost at final follow up and 4 cases with incomplete radiological documentations were excluded from the study. 64 patients (38 females, 26 males) were available and formed the basis of this report. Fracture types included 9 patients with 23-B, 13 patients 23-B2,15 patients with 23-B3,10 patients with 23-C1, 7 patients with 23-C2 and 10 patients with 23-C3. Mean Modified Mayo wrist Score was on average 38.11 (SD 10.1; range 24-75, 95%CI 34.7-41.4), 67.22 (SD 9.6, range 50-90, 95%CI 64-70.4), 90.54 (SD 6.3, range 75-100, 95%CI 88.4-92.6) at one, two and twelve months of follow-up, respectively. A statistically significant difference was found between mean scores at different follow-up periods (p = 0.001). We noted 1 case of distal screw fixation aseptic loosening at 5 months post surgical intervention.

Conclusions: PEEK reinforced-carbon fiber composite radiolucent plate represents a useful device for treatment of complex distal radius fractures in the adult population. It possesses unique biomechanical properties and allows for an easier anatomical reduction during surgical intervention.

Keywords: CFR-PEEK wrist plate; Complex distal Radial Fractures; PEEK reinforced-carbon fiber composite; Radiolucent Plate; bone elasticity modulus.

Publication types

  • Multicenter Study

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Benzophenones
  • Bone Plates*
  • Bone Screws
  • Carbon
  • Carbon Fiber
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal* / instrumentation
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal* / methods
  • Fracture Healing / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Ketones
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Polymers
  • Radiography*
  • Radius Fractures / diagnostic imaging
  • Radius Fractures / physiopathology
  • Radius Fractures / surgery*
  • Range of Motion, Articular / physiology
  • Retrospective Studies
  • Treatment Outcome
  • Wrist Joint / diagnostic imaging*
  • Wrist Joint / physiopathology
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Benzophenones
  • Carbon Fiber
  • Ketones
  • Polymers
  • polyetheretherketone
  • Polyethylene Glycols
  • Carbon