Correlation of Flexor Pollicis Longus Tendon Status by Ultrasonography with Plate Position on Radiographs Following Volar Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures with Pronator Quadratus Repair.

Background: Purpose was to correlate flexor pollicis longus tendon (FPL) attrition using Ultrasonography with plate position on radiographs following volar locked compression plate fixation (LCP) in patients who have undergone pronator quadratus (PQ) repair for distal radius fractures.

Methods: Status of flexor pollicis longus tendon was analyzed by ultrasonography in patients who underwent volar locked compression plating with pronator quadratus repair at a minimum of one year follow up. Soong's criteria was used to assess the plate position and then correlated the ultrasonography findings of flexor pollicis longus.

Results: There were 33 patients included in our study, of which 15 belonged to Soong's grade zero, 10 were grade one and eight were grade two. Flexor pollicis longus attrition was noted in all cases with grade two plating.

Conclusion: Pronator quadratus repair may not prevent attritional changes in higher grades of Soong's, hence follow up may be required in these patients to identify attritional changes and early implant removal to prevent complications.