Minimising the Risk of Extensor Pollicis Longus Rupture Following Volar Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures: a Cadaveric Study

Overview

Journal Ann R Coll Surg Engl

Specialty General Surgery

Date 2010 Oct 20

PMID 20955665

Citations 14

Authors

D C Perry

D M G Machin

J A Casaletto

D J Brown

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Introduction: Rupture of extensor pollicis longus (EPL) tendon is a recognised complication following volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures, usually from attrition caused by prominent screws. We sought to identify the screw holes in some of the most commonly used plates which may precipitate tendon injury.

Subjects And Methods: Three fixed-angle volar locking plates were sequentially positioned into 18 cadaveric arms. A wire was passed through each of the holes in the plates using a locking guide and the dorsal relationships noted.

Results: Each plate had specific 'high-risk' holes which directed the wire towards the EPL groove. The central screw holes appeared mostly implicated in EPL injury.

Conclusions: Awareness of 'high-risk' holes and appropriate minor alterations in surgical technique may consequently decrease the incidence of EPL irritation and rupture.

Citing Articles

Anatomy of Lister's Tubercle: Implications for Volar Locked Plating of the Distal Radius.

Laane C, Raasveld F, de Klerk H, Weigel D, Pratap J, Chen N Hand (N Y). 2024; :15589447241284783.

PMID: 39469874 PMC: 11559851. DOI: 10.1177/15589447241284783.

Novel surgical method for the exposure and plating of dorsally displaced unstable distal radius fractures.

Saodekar H, Salphale Y, Shinde G, Bhutada G, Tomar A, Sharma A Trauma Case Rep. 2024; 54:101111.

PMID: 39351506 PMC: 11440290. DOI: 10.1016/j.tcr.2024.101111.

Anatomic Risks with Overpenetration of the Volar Locking Plates' Proximal Holes.

Hong D, Kunes J, Tedesco L, Danford N, Strauch R J Wrist Surg. 2024; 12(6):534-539.

PMID: 38213563 PMC: 10781574. DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1768926.

Management of extensor tendon injuries concerning distal radius fractures.

Bhardwaj P, Varadharajan V, Jain D, Sabapathy S J Orthop. 2023; 48:96-102.

PMID: 38089693 PMC: 10711034. DOI: 10.1016/j.jor.2023.11.013.

Extensor Tendon Injury After Volar Locking Plating for Distal Radius Fractures: A Systematic Review.

Kunes J, Hong D, Hellwinkel J, Tedesco L, Strauch R Hand (N Y). 2022; 17(1_suppl):87S-94S.

PMID: 35168382 PMC: 9793626. DOI: 10.1177/15589447211068186.

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