Thirty-five patients with a partially healed malaligned fracture of the distal radius had realignment of the fracture using an extended FCR approach (release of the insertion of the brachioradialis and dorsal periosteum) and volar locked plate and screw fixation.
Retrospective review an average of 20 months after the index operation patients identified an average wrist extension of 68掳, flexion of 64掳, pronation of 84掳 and supination of 85掳. Radial inclination, volar tilt and ulnar variance significantly improved compared to preoperative radiographs. All fractures healed, and there were no infections, implant loosening or breakage or tendon ruptures.
This study demonstrated that the extended FCR approach is safe and effective as a treatment method for nascent malunions of the distal radius.