Dr. Alejandro Badia
Miami, Florida
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Introduction
The patient is a 72-year-old, right hand-dominant, retired but active gentlemen presenting with a moderately displaced distal radius fracture. He lacks supination and is in pain. He also relates an old wrist injury that has had no recent pain.
Clinical Presentation
X-rays demonstrated an old ulnar styloid fracture from previous trauma and a recently displaced distal radius fracture with shortening, dorsal tilt and significant dorsal comminution. (See Case Presentation below)
Post-Op Course
The patient's left wrist was protected in a short arm cast for 3 weeks after application of a Contours VPS plate via a standard volar approach using regional block anesthesia. Immediate hand motion exercises were instituted and course of formal therapy for the wrist between post-op weeks 4 to 7. He was discharged with no pain and nearly full function at only 7 weeks post-op. This treatment represents a distinct advantage to traditional management of attempted closed reduction and casting for minimum of 6 weeks where patient would likely not regain this level of function, nor this quickly.
| Pre-Op - Distal Radius Fracture | |
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Post-Op Showing Contours Volar Plate
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| Scar at 7 Weeks Discharge | |
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| Extension at 7 Weeks Discharge | |
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| Flexion at 7 Weeks Discharge | |
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