Condylar Stabilizing Technique with AO/ASIF Distal Radius Plate for Colles' Fracture Associated with Osteoporosis

Abstract

The author established a new reduction and fixation technique for osteoporotic distal radius fracture with a use of AO/ASIF volar distal radius plate, referring to the condylar plating technique in distal femoral fracture. This technique is performed in three steps. First, distal fixation is through the insertion of buttress pins just beneath the subchondral bone with a convergent angle of 10 degrees to the articular surface under fluoroscopic assistance. Second, the proximal limb of the plate is lined up with the radius shaft so that the fracture is reduced automatically and anatomically. Third, by rotating the proximal limb of the plate ulnarly and lifting up the ulnar border of the articular surface, the fracture is fixed less than the contralateral ulnar variance, to apply an adequate tension on the triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC). This method represents a valuable treatment modality for the most frequent types of unstable distal radius in elderly women.