Key Points The origin of a posttraumatic wrist joint stiffness can be either extra-articular, intraarticular, or both. Surgical arthrolysis is a viable option that can be performed via open or arthroscopic surgery. A poor articular surface may be responsible for…
Key Points Before embarking for salvage procedures, conservative treatment and corrective osteotomy should have been considered. If these measures are inapplicable or fail, partial or extensive wrist denervation should be considered. Partial or total wrist (TW) arthrodesis or arthroplasty are…
Key Points Salvage procedures of distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) arthritis after distal radius fractures (DRFs) can be divided in resection arthroplasties and implant arthroplasties. Corrective osteotomy, ulnar shortening, ligament—reinsertion or reconstruction should be considered before reconstruction of the joint. Specific…
Key Points The triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) and its proximal component, the radioulnar ligaments, constitute the primary intrinsic stabilizer of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ). TFCC injuries are frequently associated (in up to 78% of cases) with distal radius fractures,…
Key Points The incidence of tendon ruptures after distal radius fracture is rare, currently 1%–3%, and generally occur within the first year after surgery. The extensor pollicis longus (EPL) or flexor pollicis longus (FPL) are most often involved tendons, and…
Key Points While the cause of nonunion is often multifactorial, both injury (open fracture, severe comminution, soft tissue interposition) and patient (diabetes, smoking, obesity, substance abuse, malnutrition, peripheral vascular disease, social situation) factors play a role. Treatment is based on…
Key Points Malunion is the most common complication following a distal radius fracture. Restoration of anatomy is a key factor in obtaining good functional outcome, but this can be technically challenging. Next to radiographs and CT-scans, three-dimensional (3D) visualization and…
Key Points Intraarticular malunion following distal radius fracture (DRF) leads to radiographic arthritis, but the effect on functional outcome is not well understood. Evidence evaluating operative and nonoperative treatment of intraarticular malunion is of low quality. Some small, retrospective case…
Key Points The relationship between malunion and functional outcome following distal radius fracture (DRF) is not well understood. Some patients tolerate malunion well, whereas others have poor functional outcome. Evidence evaluating operative and nonoperative treatment of extraarticular malunion is largely…
Key Points The diagnosis of a malunited distal radius fracture (DRF) must take into account both clinical symptoms and radiographic findings Standard radiographs of both the affected and contralateral wrist are usually sufficient to diagnose distal radius malunions, but CT…