REVIEW   

Minerva Ortopedica e Traumatologica 2019 December;70(4):198-204

DOI: 10.23736/S0394-3410.19.03935-3

Copyright © 2019 EDIZIONI MINERVA MEDICA

language: English

Use of the “y” volar plate in the osteosynthesis of fractures of the distal radius

Salvatore BONFIGLIO ¹ ✉, Giancarlo SALVO ¹, Gianfranco LONGO ¹, Rocco ORTUSO ¹, Antonio KORY ²

¹ Unit of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Cannizzaro Hospital, Catania, Italy; ² Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Vittorio Emanuele Policlinic University Hospital, Catania, Italy

The treatment of distal radius fracture has evolved considerably over the past decade owing to advancements in implant, technology and surgical technique. Volar plate fixation predisposes patients to specific risk and complication and possible flexor tendon injury. Flexor pollicis longus and index flexor digitorum profundus tendons rupture is a complication of the distal volar locking plate in particular when the position of the plate is over the watershed line. The innovative design of “Y” volar plate can reduce the risk of tendons rupture. The design of the device reduces incidence of flexor tendon injury because the plate design has enhanced anatomical contours and a lower profiles. We report our experience after two years of use.

KEY WORDS: Tendon injuries; Radius fractures; Bone plates