Original CommunicationsDelayed rupture of the flexor pollicis longus tendon after inappropriate placement of the π plate on the volar surface of the distal radius*,**,*,**
Section snippets
Case report
A 72-year-old right-handed woman sustained a comminuted, intra-articular distal radial fracture after a fall onto her outstretched right hand. She was initially treated with closed reduction and external fixation and was referred for rehabilitation. The follow-up visit 10 days later showed that the fracture reduction was lost, and open reduction and internal fixation was suggested. The patient sought another opinion; 3 weeks after injury she underwent open reduction and internal fixation at
Discussion
One of the goals of the low-profile π plate design was to minimize extensor tendon irritation when used for fixation on the dorsal surface of the distal radius.2 The design was primarily intended to fit the unique contour of the dorsal distal radius. It was not designed for fixation of the volar surface of the distal radius. The existing angled T plate is an appropriate choice for volar buttressing of the distal radius.
Tendon irritation has been reported after use of the π plate on the dorsum
References (2)
- et al.
Complications of the AO/ASIF titanium distal radius plate system (π plate) in internal fixation of the distal radius: a brief report
J Hand Surg
(1998) - et al.
Prospective multicenter trial of a plate for dorsal fixation of distal radius fractures
J Hand Surg
(1997)
Cited by (70)
Location of distal pronator quadratus repair in distal radius fractures: A cadaveric biomechanical study
2023, Clinical BiomechanicsChanges in Distance Between the Flexor Pollicis Longus Tendon and Volar Locking Plate: An Ultrasonographic Study
2023, Journal of Hand SurgeryFlexor tendon rupture after volar plating of distal radius fracture: A systematic review of the literature
2021, Hand Surgery and RehabilitationCitation Excerpt :The most common technique is palmaris longus graft, with satisfactory results [19,71]. If the injury is old, FPL belly atrophy may be significant; in this case, tendon transfer is judicious, especially that of the FDS4, which is the most widely used [23,72–74]. Interphalangeal thumb joint fusion is also an effective solution.
Do we really need to repair the pronator quadratus after distal radius plating?
2019, Chinese Journal of Traumatology - English EditionDanger zones for flexor tendons in volar plating of distal radius fractures
2015, Journal of Hand Surgery
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No benefits in any form have been received or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
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Reprint requests: James A. Nunley, MD, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Duke University Medical Center, Box 2923, Durham, NC 27710.
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J Hand Surg 1999;24A:1279–1280
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0363-5023/99/24A06-0024$3.00/0