Treatment of neglected malunion of the distal radius: a cases series study

BACKGROUND Malunion is the most common complication following distal radius fractures. Aim of this study was to evaluate the results of distal radius corrective osteotomy and plate fixation by dorsal approach in the malunion. METHODS In this retrospective study, 14 patients with neglected distal radius malunion from 2005 to 2011 were studied. All patients were treated with an opening wedge osteotomy with a dorsal plate and cancellous bone grafting. Radiological and clinical measurements were performed pre and postoperatively. All patients were followed at least for two years. RESULTS Fourteen patients with a mean age of 42.5±10.2 years including 2 females (14.2%) and 12 males (85.8%) were studied. Radiological healing was achieved in all osteotomies at a mean of 11.5 (range: 11 to 14) weeks. There were significant differences between wrist function and radiological findings before and after treatment. Following the operation, all patients were relieved of pain. There were not any complications. CONCLUSION Based on our findings, dorsal approach for osteotomy and plate insertion is an effective approach with good final results and no major complication for the treatment of distal radius malunion.