Ununited fractures of the distal radius often feature a small metaphyseal distal fragment
with poor bone quality. The challenges of internal fixation of this fragment have
led many surgeons to treat this problem with wrist arthrodesis. We applied the concepts
of using two orthogonally oriented fixation devices to a metaphyseal fracture and
using fixed-angle devices for poor quality bone in seven patients with ununited fractures
of the distal radius. Union was achieved in all seven patients and although the wrist
was stiff in many cases, some functional wrist motion was retained.
Wrist fracture - Plate fixation - Orthogonal - Ununited fractures
