The recent development of advanced high-resolution transducers has enabled the fast, easy, and dynamic ultrasonographic evaluation of small, superficial structures such as the finger. In order to best exploit these advances, it is important to understand the normal anatomy and the basic pathologies of the finger, as exemplified by the following conditions involving the dorsal, volar, and lateral sections of the finger: sagittal band injuries, mallet finger, and Boutonnière deformity (dorsal aspect); flexor tendon tears, trigger finger, and volar plate injuries (volar aspect); gamekeeper's thumb (Stener lesions) and other collateral ligament tears (lateral aspect); and other lesions. This review provides a basis for understanding the ultrasonography of the finger and will therefore be useful for radiologists.
Collateral Ligaments ; Congenital Abnormalities ; Fingers* ; Pathology ; Tears ; Tendons ; Thumb ; Transducers ; Ultrasonography* ; Upper Extremity ; Palmar Plate

PURPOSE: We investigate the outcomes of treatment of patients with severe comminuted distal radius fractures with volar plate fixation using a pronator-preserving approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Fourteen patients with severe comminution of the distal radius fractures for whom anatomical reduction of the fractures was deemed difficult to achieve with traditional approaches were enrolled. The gender ratio was 8 males to 6 females, and the average age of the patients was 64.9 years. According to the AO/OTA classification of fractures, 2 patients had 23-A3 fractures, 7 patients had 23-C2, and 5 patients had 23-C3. Radial length, radial inclination, and volar tilt were measured for radiologic evaluation. Modified Mayo wrist score (MMWS) was used for clinical outcome. RESULTS: Bony union was achieved in all 14 patients without signs of complications. The average time-to-union was 4.3 months (3-6 months). The radiological findings at the final follow-up were as follows: the average radial inclination was 20.5degrees; the average volar tilt, 7.57degrees; and the average radial length, 11.8 mm. At the final follow-up, the results of the MMWS were 'Fair' in 1 patient, 'Good' in 4, and 'Excellent' in 9. CONCLUSION: We propose that a pronator-preserving approach is an effective treatment for severe comminuted distal radius fracture.
Classification ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Radius Fractures* ; Palmar Plate ; Wrist

Since the advent of volar locking plate, volar approach for internal fixation has become a major trend in the treatment for unstable distal radius fracture. However, dorsal approach is preferred for certain fracture pattern include AO type C3, dorsal Barton's fractures and concomitant intercarpal ligament injury, because it can afford excellent exposure of the articular surface. Although dorsal approach and plating technique has inherent disadvantages include extensor tendon irritation and rupture, improvements in implant design lead to decrease complication rate. Here, we provide overview of the pros and cons through historic perspective, indications, and surgical technique of the dorsal approach for the distal radius fracture.
Ligaments ; Radius Fractures* ; Rupture ; Tendons ; Palmar Plate

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine whether the number of distal locking screws affected the final radiologic results after volar plate fixation for distal radius fractures. METHODS: We retrospectively identified 176 patients (male, 36; female, 140; average, 60 years) who had distal radius fractures treated with open reduction and volar plate fixation between 2011 and 2012. The number of screws used for distal fixation was determined according to the surgeon's preference and the type of plate used. Radiologic parameters and their displacements were measured postoperatively and at final follow-up. The results of using 4 or 5 distal locking screws were compared with those of using more than 6 distal locking screws. RESULTS: There was no significant displacement in fracture fragment when using 4 or 5 distal locking screws compared with using more than 6 distal locking screws. Mean displacement in ulnar variance was 0.6 mm in group with less than 5 screws, and the displacement was 0.4 mm in group with more than 6 screws (p=0.772). Secondary displacement was not correlated with fracture type or the number of distal locking screws. There was no fixation failure during the study period. CONCLUSION: It seems that 4 or 5 distal locking screws are strong enough to prevent a significant loss of fracture reduction. Filling every distal screw hole is not recommended to limit cost and avoid extensor tendon complications.
Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Radius Fractures* ; Retrospective Studies ; Tendons ; Palmar Plate*

BACKGROUNDL-shaped incision of pronator quadratus (PQ) muscle along its radial and distal borders was always taken for distal radius fractures reduction and internal fixation. Repair of the PQ muscle was always recommended at the end of operation for some instructive reasons. But repair of PQ is not satisfied because of poor quality of muscle and fascial tissues which may cause pain or impede forearm pronation and supination for post-operative scarring around PQ. Inserting the locking palmar plate to pass under the pronator quadratus muscle and the locking screws are inserted through mini-incisions in pronator quadratus in some patients with distal radius fractures is a reasonable technique which can preserve the pronator quadratus. The purpose of this study was to evaluate and compare the clinical effects after volar plating of the distal radius fractures while preserving the pronator quadratus and pronator quadratus repair.

METHODSBetween September 2010 and April 2012, 65 patients (42 males and 23 females; aged 20-68 years and a mean age of 42.5 years) with distal radius fracture underwent open reduction and internal fixation using the volar locking palmar plates (Depuy or Smith companies). The patients were classified as 23A-2 through 23C-3 according to the Orthopaedic Trauma Association (OTA) classifications. All surgeries were completed by the same trained team. The volar locking palmar plates of distal radius performed with preserving pronator quadratus group involved 30 patients including 19 males and 11 females and performed with pronator quadratus repair group involved 35 patients including 23 males and 12 females. We compared the two groups for wrist pain, forearm range of motion, grip strength, perioperative complications and wrist functional recovery score.

RESULTSThe minimum follow-up for the whole cohort was one year. The differences between the two groups were significant with regard to wrist pain, forearm range of motion, grip strength and wrist function at 1, 2, and 6 weeks postoperatively, but insignificant at 6 and 12 months postoperatively. No significant differences were found in the perioperative complications and radiographs postoperatively.

CONCLUSIONSPreservation of the pronator quadratus muscle is a satisfactory method for the treatment of majority of the fractures of the distal radius with volar locking palmar plates, as this technique can yield better early wrist function and shorten the rehabilitation.

Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Palmar Plate ; surgery ; Radius Fractures ; surgery

OBJECTIVETo explore the clinical and function efficacy of the treatment of Herbert B2-type scaphoid fracture through volar approach with double screws prograde internal fixation.

METHODSFrom December 2005 to June 2010,18 patients with Herbert B2-type scaphoid fracture were treated with double screws prograde internal fixation through volar approach, including 14 males and 4 females with an average age of 33.11 years (ranged from 21 to 52 years). The fracture healing situation was evaluated by X-ray examination. Functional outcome was assessed by using Modified Mayo wrist score.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up with a mean time of (25.06 +/- 4.00) months. The bone healing time was (3.55 +/- 0.65) months. The pain,passive range of motion, grip of wrist were improved at 4 months after operation (P < 0.05). The Mayo wrist score were improved from preoperative 42.78 +/- 7.32 at 4 months after operation (93.89 +/- 5.83) (P < 0.05), the results were excellent in 9 cases and good in 9 cases.

CONCLUSIONVolar approach with double screws prograde internal fixation is an efficacy and safety surgical technique for Herbert B2-type scaphoid fracture.

Adult ; Bone Screws ; Female ; Fracture Fixation, Internal ; instrumentation ; methods ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Palmar Plate ; surgery ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Scaphoid Bone ; injuries ; surgery ; Wrist Injuries ; physiopathology ; surgery ; Young Adult

The extension type locked metacarpophalangeal joint of the little finger is an extremely rare condition characterized by loss of flexion with little or no loss of extension. The most common cause for locking is entrapment of a strap of the ruptured palmar plate. We treated a locked metacarpophalangeal joint of the little finger due to a hyperextension injury. The mechanism of locking was a torn part of the palmar ligament that forcefully rides across the prominence of the radial condyle of the metacarpal bone together with the accessory collateral ligament. These dislocated parts of the ligament formed a constricting bundle that prevented closed reduction. Locking was released successfully by an open reduction using the dorsal approach of the metacarpophalangeal joint without complication.
Collateral Ligaments ; Fingers* ; Ligaments ; Metacarpophalangeal Joint* ; Palmar Plate

Posttraumatic volar instability of the thumb metacarpophalangeal joint with hyperextensile laxity makes pain and weakness during pinch or grip exercise. Several surgical procedures have been described to eliminate thumb metacarpophalangeal joint hyperextension. We treated a patient who had suffered from volar instability with pain for 17 years using volar plate repair and capsulodesis with suture anchor. The result was successful with satisfactory recovery of the hand function.
Hand ; Hand Strength ; Humans ; Metacarpophalangeal Joint ; Suture Anchors ; Thumb ; Palmar Plate

As volar plate fixation of distal radius fracture becomes more common, reports of ruptured extensor pollicis longus tendon by a protruding distal screw tip are also increasing steadily. Authors have experienced a rare case of ruptured extensor pollicis longus tendon at the prominent proximal screw of fixed volar plate for distal radius fracture, and we report it herein with a review of the literature.
Radius Fractures ; Radius ; Rupture ; Tendons ; Palmar Plate*

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between the length of distal locking screws and diaphyseal screws in volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures. METHODS: A retrospective review was performed of 169 patients who underwent volar locking plate fixation for treatment of distal radius fractures. All patients received 2.4 mm LCP volar extra-articular distal radius plate (DePuySynthes). The length of the diaphyseal screw which was placed in the elongated hole was correlated with the length of a distal locking screw from radial most (D1) to ulnar most (D4). We also evaluated distal screw penetration of the dorsal cortex and plate removal rate. RESULTS: The length of the diaphyseal screw which was placed in the elongated hole strongly correlated with the length of a distal locking screw. Average D1 screw length was 2 mm longer than the diaphyseal screw, and average D2 screw length was 4 mm longer than the diaphyseal screw. D3 and D4 screw were 6 mm longer than the diaphyseal screw. Plate removal was necessary in 13 patients (8%) due to screw irritation. These patients had significantly longer screws than average. Flexor or extensor tendon ruptures did not occur in this cohort. CONCLUSION: The length of the distal locking screws can be estimated with the length of the diaphyseal screw. This information may help surgeons to select the adequate length of distal locking screws during volar plating of distal radius fractures.
Humans ; Radius ; Radius Fractures ; Retrospective Studies ; Rupture ; Tendons ; Palmar Plate