Purpose
There are many different methods of fixation of radius articular fractures based on columns at the radius level. Some fixations involve the use of hook plates only on the ulnar column, while other specific plates fix both columns. There are no studies that have compared different specific fixations. In this study, we compared a so-called “ice-axe” fixation method (the use of a hook plate on the ulnar column and one or two screws in the radial styloid) with so-called “extradistal” plates fixing the ulnar and radial column
Methods
We conducted a single-center study with prospective inclusion of distal radius fractures from May 2022 to March 2025. The primary objective was to compare the efficacy of two different fixations on their functional status (pain, joint amplitudes, functional score based on the QuickDASH questionnaire and grip strength) as well as the complication rate. As a secondary objective, we evaluated the quality of joint reduction according to the two different fixations, with or without a 2-mm stepoff. The patients were followed up at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. This article presents the data collected at 1 year.
Results
We prospectively included a total of 52 patients in our study. There were 24 patients in the “ice-axe” fixation group and 22 patients in the extradistal fixation group. Regarding the AO Trauma classification, the “ice-axe” fixation group comprised 10 C1 patients, 11 C2 patients, and 3 C3 patients, while the extradistal group included 9 C1 patients, 9 C2 patients, and 4 C3 patients. We found that in articular fractures of the radius, neither “ice-axe” fixation or the extradistal plate showed clear superiority over the other in terms of functional results. It is worth noting that the “ice-axe” assembly appears to significantly improve radial and ulnar deviation, and slightly improves the QuickDASH score. We found a significantly higher complication rate in the extradistal fixation group, with a much higher rate of tendon irritation (21% in the “ice-axe” fixation group vs. 59% in the extradistal fixation group) and a significantly higher rate of revision surgery (notably material removal).
Conclusion
It would appear that there is no clear difference in functional results, but “ice-axe” fixation has a significantly lower complication rate. Our results suggest a reduction in the volume of fixation material exceeding the watershed line in specific fixations, when the radial styloid does not present a comminuted fracture.
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