The Extended Flexor Carpi Radialis Approach: A New Perspective for the Distal Radius Fracture

Abstract

Volar fixation of dorsally unstable distal radius fractures is a new method of treatment that provides the benefits of stable internal fixation without the complications of the dorsal approach. A new, fixed-angle fixation device, the distal volar radius (DVR) plate, (Fig. 1) has been intro-duced for this purpose. Experience gained by applying this technique to clinically complex cases led us to the realization that more exposure, especially in a dorsal di-rection, was necessary than that provided by the tradi-tional volar approaches. The need to reduce fractures with significant articular displacement (Fig. 2) and the need to release dorsal callus in inveterate fractures or nascent malunions led us to use an extended form of the flexor carpi radialis (FCR) approach. Volar displaced distal radius fractures are commonly