Arthroscopic arthrolysis with hardware removal versus hardware removal alone after intra-articular distal radius fracture: A prospective comparative study - 26/08/26
Abstract |
Introduction |
Post-traumatic wrist stiffness after intra-articular distal radius fractures rarely improves with hardware removal alone once arthrofibrosis is established. Arthroscopic arthrolysis allows minimally invasive release of intra-articular adhesions.
Hypothesis |
Arthroscopic arthrolysis combined with hardware removal improves wrist motion and function compared with hardware removal alone.
Materials and methods |
This single-center prospective study compared arthroscopic arthrolysis with hardware removal (combined) versus hardware removal alone (isolated) in patients with post-traumatic wrist stiffness after intra-articular distal radius fracture fixation. Outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at 1 year. The primary outcome of the study was the improvement in the flexion–extension arc. Secondary outcomes included changes in radial and ulnar deviation, pronation and supination and functional scores (QuickDASH).
Results |
Forty patients were included (15 combined, 25 isolated). At 1 year, flexion–extension gain was significantly greater in the combined group (32.6° vs 6.4°; p < 0.001). QuickDASH improved significantly only in the combined group. No major complications occurred.
Conclusion |
Arthroscopic arthrolysis combined with hardware removal provides superior improvement in wrist motion and function compared with hardware removal alone and should be considered in patients with established post-traumatic wrist stiffness.
Level of evidence |
III.
Le texte complet de cet article est disponible en PDF.Keywords : Distal radioulnar joint, Post traumatic wrist stiffness, Volar locking plate, Locking plate fixation, Radiocarpal joint, Wrist arthroscopy
Plan
Vol 112 - N° 5
Article 104651- septembre 2026 Retour au numéro
Article précédent
- Risk factors of flexor tendon tenosynovitis after distal radius fractures treated with volar locking plates: A case-control study
- Eléonore Canarelli, Clément Berry, Axel Van Vliet, Emmanuel David, Mathilde Léon
- Computed tomography–based predictors of ulnar-sided complications after distal radius fracture fixation
- Matthieu Vermeuil, Marie Le Baron, Xavier Flecher, Jean-Noël Argenson, Damien Lami, Jean-Baptiste de Villeneuve Bargemon
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