Background: Malunion distal radius involving shortening of the radius may result in disruption of the distal radioulnar joint, chronic pain, loss of both supination and pronation, and cosmetic deformity. Shortening often accompanies dorsal angulation, and a relatively positive ulna variance is produced. With malunion caused by extra-articular fractures, pain may develop in the distal radioulnar joint secondary to abnormal stresses resulting from radial shortening and occasionally from disruption of the distal radioulnar ligaments.
Objective: To evaluate the locked plate fixation after corrective osteotomy of malunited distal radius without using graft (short term follow up).
Patients and Methods: Between 2018 and 2020, 20 patients were treated for malunited distal radius fracture by open wedge distal radial osteotomy. Follow-up included review of patient records and patient contact and all are done at Al-Azhar University Hospitals. All Patients undergoing general /local and radiological examinations. All patients have been treated by open wedge & Volar Locked plates and followed up postoperative by for clinical assessment including range of motion, and pain.
Results: All patients reported improvement in work abilities. 14 patients gradually returned to their work within 3 to 7 months. However, 2 cases chosed to return to modified duties. Pain relieved in 13 wrists. The remaining 7 patients reported mild pain which had been improved significantly.
Conclusion: Outcome scores as well as pre- and postoperative range of motion and grip strength tests document significant by improved in function. This allowed earlier return to normal activities with no recorded complications.