• Clinics in Orthopedic Surgery
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• v.10 no.4
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• pp.462-467
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• 2018

Background: Significant discrepancy exists between anatomical plate designs and the anatomy of the native distal radius, which may be attributable to considerable morphometric variations in the volar aspect of the distal radius. We aimed to evaluate the degree of variability in the morphometry of the distal radius and identify factors associated with this variability. Methods: We measured the volar surface angle (VSA) of the intermediate and lateral columns and the volar surface width (VSW) in the distal radius from three-dimensional computed tomography scans acquired from 81 cadaveric forearms. These morphometric parameters were compared between the lateral and intermediate columns, between males and females, and between Koreans and Caucasians. Caucasian morphometric data were obtained and pooled from the previous studies. The coefficient of variation was used to assess the variability of the parameters and Cohen's d to estimate the effect size of the difference between groups. Results: The average VSA of the lateral column was $22^{\circ}{\pm}6^{\circ}$, and that of the intermediate column was $29^{\circ}{\pm}8^{\circ}$ in Koreans (p < 0.001). The variability was high for both VSAs. The VSA of the intermediate column was significantly larger in males than in females (p < 0.001) and in Caucasians than in Koreans (p < 0.001). The average VSW of distal radius was $30{\pm}3mm$ at the watershed line, and it became narrower proximally. The VSW was significantly larger in males than in females (p < 0.001) and in Koreans than in Caucasians (p < 0.001). The effect sizes of the difference for the VSA and VSW between sexes, races and columns were medium to large. Conclusions: Considerable variability exists in the morphometry of the volar distal radius, with sex, race, and column as contributing factors. These results suggest that surgeons should carefully choose an anatomical volar locking plate with appropriate angulation characteristics for each patient to achieve patient-specific alignment of the distal radius.

• Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
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• v.55 no.6
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• pp.495-502
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• 2020

Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of domestically developed volar locking plate which has the concept of double-tiered subchondral support (DSS) in maintaining the reduction after distal radial fracture surgery. Materials and Methods: From July 2017 to December 2018, 54 patients were assessed. Plain radiographs were obtained immediately after surgery and at the last follow-up, and the radiographic parameters were measured in those images: radial length, radial inclination, volar tilt, ulnar variance, and distal dorsal cortical distance. The patients were subdivided into their age, type of fracture, and the position of the plate to evaluate the influence of each factors on the reduction maintenance. Results: Distal dorsal cortical distance in radiographs after the surgery was 5.91 mm (standard deviation, ±1.95 mm) on average. Significant differences in the radial length (p=0.038) and ulnar variance (p=0.001) were observed between immediately after surgery and at the last follow-up. When the parameters were evaluated by dividing the patients into subgroups according to the three specific factors, the ulnar variance showed a significant increase at the last follow-up when the patients were included 65-years-old or older. AO/OTA type C3 fracture, and Soong classification grade 0 plate position (p=0.007, p=0.012, p=0.046, respectively). Conclusion: Using the domestically developed DSS-type volar locking plate, significant reduction after distal radial fracture surgery could be maintained successfully. On the other hand, further study will be needed to determine about the reduction loss of the lunate facet identified in special cases that deal with fractures in elderly patients, unstable AO/OTA type C3 distal radial fractures, and Soong classification grade 0 plate position.

• The Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Ultrasound Society
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.60-64
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• 2013

After volar locking plating of distal radius fracture, complications arising from unrecognized dorsally prominent screws penetrating the extensor compartments are increasingly reported. However, standard radiography and fluoroscopy may not adequately visualize screw lengths, because of complex shape of dorsal cortex of the distal radius. We presented case of ultrasonography diagnosis of extensor tenosynovitis caused by dorsal screw prominence after volar plate fixation of distal radius fracture.

• Journal of Korean Orthopaedic Sports Medicine
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• v.8 no.2
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• pp.115-120
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• 2009

Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of three different surgical approaches in treating a distal radius fracture with dorsal communition. Materials and Methods: From April, 2006 to May, 2009, 49 patients over age of 60years old with unstable dorsal communition distal radius fracture were analyzed. We compared maintainability of reduction by radiological follow-up observations and clinical outcomes using Mayo wrist scores. One-Way ANOVA test was performed to examine the statistical correlation between the methods. Results: All three approaches provided satisfactory post-op reduction results. However, follow-up observations showed significant loss of reduction in the external fixation only group compared to the added bone graft group and the volar anatomical locking plate group (P<0.05). Mayo wrist score was indifferent between the three groups. Conclusion: Treatment of a distal radius fracture with severe dorsal communition using an external fixation only appears to be insufficient in maintaining reduction of a cancellous bone defect.

• Clinics in Shoulder and Elbow
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• v.13 no.2
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• pp.260-265
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• 2010

Purpose: To report the clinical results of two cases of coronoid process fractures that were treated with volar plating through a medial approach. Materials and Methods: Two fractures of the coronoid process that needed to be fixed were managed with open reduction and internal fixation through a medial approach using 2.4 mm locking compression plates (Compact Hand set$^{(R)}$, Synthes, Switzerland). The patients were followed up for 14 months and 17 months and were evaluated using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). Results: The MEPS was 95 for Case 1 and 100 for Case 2. Active elbow joint motions were $5^{\circ}-120^{\circ}$ (Case 1) and $0^{\circ}-130^{\circ}$ (Case 2). Supination and pronation fully recovered. Conclusion: Satisfactory results can be obtained in cases of coronoid process fractures because volar plating through a medial approach allows sound fixation and early mobilization of the elbow joint.