Corrective osteotomy of the distal radius following failed internal fixation

The purpose of this study was to quantify the clinical and radiographic outcomes after corrective osteotomy for malunions of the distal radius following failed internal fixation. Results of 18 patients (8 women, 10 men; mean age 41 years) are presented an average of 7 years after osteotomy of a malunited distal radius fracture. We assessed active range of motion, grip strength, radiographic alignment, pain and disability. Subjective and objective data were summarized using the modified Mayo Wrist Score and the point-score system of Fernandez. Wrist motion, pain and deformity improved with the operation in all cases. The modified Mayo Wrist Score averaged 79 points. The scale of Fernandez indicated ten good, two fair and six poor results. The results of this study suggest that the operative correction of a distal radius malunion following an unsuccessful internal fixation can be achieved with outcomes comparable to those reported after initial nonoperative treatment.