Bridging Plate Technique in Osteoporotic Comminuted Distal Radius Fractures

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the results of management of comminuted intraarticular distal-end radius fractures in osteoporotic patients using bridging plate technique as a temporary ligamentotaxis method till achieving union.Materials and Methods: Twenty patients (eight males and 12 females) were included in the study and treated for comminuted osteoporotic distal-end radius fracture during a period from January 2021 to January 2023 using percutaneous dorsal bridging plating technique. Patients were evaluated clinically by the El-Hadara wrist function scoring system, which is based on subjective and objective outcomes of patients, and includes 24 points.Statistical analysisSPSS was used for statistical analysis.Results: The average follow-up period was 2 years, and patients were assessed by the El-Hadara wrist function scoring system. Results showed that two (10%) patients had excellent results (scores between 21 and 22), 15(75%) patients had good results (scores between 17 and 20), and three (15%) patients had fair results (scores between 14 and 15). No patients were graded as poor. Results showed that the mean final score was 18.0±2.13.Conclusions: The use of dorsal distraction bridge plating is a good surgical option in the management of comminuted osteoporotic distal-end radius fractures without the fear of failure of fixation, and it is also a safe and fast procedure that helps the early return of function due to the stability of the fixation.