Successful surgery to reduce and fixate with the plate of neglected, displaced fracture of the distal radius

Andrzej Żyluk, Bernard Piotuch

Abstract


Treatment of neglected, displaced or united distal radial fractures (DRFs) is difficult, because it requires either wedging the almost consolidated fracture and reduction to the correct position, or cutting the united bone and putting it in the correct position (corrective osteotomy). Both treatments are associated with the risk of failure and complications. The paper presents a case of almost fully united DRF in a man, in whom 5 weeks after the injury, and after unsuccessful primary fixation with K-wires, the bone fragments were surgically wedged, aligned and fixed with a palmar plate. The result of treatment after 2 months was satisfactory. Early surgery allowed for a significant shortening of the recovery period and allowed the patient to return to work. 


Keywords


distal radial fracture; failure of surgery; secondary displacement; corrective operation

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References


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DOI: https://doi.org/10.21164/pomjlifesci.1117

Copyright (c) 2025 Andrzej Żyluk, Bernard Piotuch

License URL: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/3.0/pl/