Purpose: We evaluated the feasibility of a juxta-articular-type volar distal radius plate for the surgical treatment of marginal distal radius fractures.
Materials and methods: Twenty marginal distal radius fractures, defined by the location of the fracture line within 10 mm of the joint line of the lunate fossa, were retrospectively reviewed between July 2020 and July 2022. The fractures were fixed using a juxta-articular-type volar plate (ARIX Wrist System). The characteristics of the implant and surgical technique, radiologic, and clinical outcomes, and related complications were evaluated.
Results: Bony union was achieved in all patients within six months. Acceptable radiological alignment was achieved with no significant differences between the fractured and the normal sides. The clinical outcomes were favorable, with satisfactory functional outcomes. There was one case of post-traumatic arthritis and two cases of carpal tunnel syndrome. No implant-related complications including flexor tendon problems were observed.
Conclusion: The juxta-articular distal radius plate of the Arix Wrist system is feasible for treating marginal distal radius fractures and achieves favorable clinical outcomes without implant-related complications in East Asian patients.
Keywords: Distal radius fracture; Distal radius juxta-articular fracture; Juxta-articular plate; Marginal distal radius fracture; Watershed line.
© 2023 The Authors.