Double screw versus angular stable plate fixation of scaphoid waist nonunions in combination with intraoperative extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT).

Introduction: Over the past years, different fixation techniques focused on rotational stability in order to increase stability and stimulate union rates. Additionally, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has gained importance in the treatment of delayed and nonunions. Purpose of this study was to compare the radiological and clinical outcome of two headless compression screws (HCS) and plate fixation in scaphoid nonunions, in combination with intraoperative high energy ESWT.

Immediate mobilization of distal radius fractures stabilized by volar locking plate results in a better short-term outcome than a five week immobilization: A prospective randomized trial.

Objective: To evaluate the impact of immediate (first day after surgery) mobilization compared to standard five weeks cast immobilization on the functional outcome after volar locking plate fixation of distal radius fractures.

Design: Prospective randomized parallel group comparative trial.

Setting: Trauma Hospital, Austria.

Functional and radiological outcome of distal radius fractures stabilized by volar-locking plate with a minimum follow-up of 1 year.

Introduction: Distal radius fractures (DRF) are the most common fractures of the upper extremities and incidence is expected to continue rising as life expectancy increases. Palmar locking plate stabilizing has since become the standard treatment for dorsally displaced DRF. Main aim of this study was to investigate correlation between radiological and clinical outcome in patients stabilized by palmar locking plate with a minimum follow-up of one year.

Biomechanical considerations on a CT-based treatment-oriented classification in radius fractures.

A wide range of different classifications exist for distal radius fractures (DRF). Most of them are based on plane X-rays and do not give us any information on how to treat these fractures. A biomechanical understanding of the mechanical forces underlying each fracture type is important to treat each injury specifically and ensure the optimal choice for stabilization.

Rehabilitation after distal radius fractures: is there a need for immobilization and physiotherapy?

Although the literature generally agrees that displaced distal radius fractures require surgery, no single consensus exists concerning the length of immobilization and type of post-operative physiotherapeutic rehabilitation program. Palmar locking plate fixation represents a very stable fixation of the distal radius, and was assessed biomechanically in various studies. Surprisingly, most authors report additional immobilization after plate fixation.