Background:The evidence for the treatment of acceptably reduced intra-articular distal radial fractures remains inconclusive. We therefore compared the functional outcomes of cast immobilization (nonoperative) and volar plate fixation (operative) for patients with these fractures.Methods: This multicenter randomized controlled trial enrolled patients between 18 and 75 years old with an acceptably reduced intra-articular distal radial fracture. Patients were randomized to nonoperative treatment or to operative treatment. The primary outcome measure was the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score after 12 months. Secondary outcome measures were the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire; the Short Form-36 (SF-36) questionnaire; a visual analog scale for pain; range of motion; grip strength; radiographic parameters; and complications. Analyses followed the intention-to-treat principle.Results: A total of 96 patients were randomized, and 90 (46 in the nonoperative group and 44 in the operative group) were included in the analysis. Patients treated in the operative group had significantly better functional outcomes measured with the PRWE at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year. Additionally, a 28% rate of subsequent surgery was identified in the nonoperative group.Conclusions: Adult patients with an acceptably reduced intra-articular distal radial fracture have better functional outcomes for 12 months when treated operatively instead of nonoperatively. We therefore recommend surgical treatment for patients with these fractures.

Background Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injury is a common cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain, which may lead to serious physical impairments. Arthroscopic repair has benefits such as less soft tissue damage, greater surgical accuracy, and may lead to faster recovery than open repair. Objective The purpose of this study was to determine the functional outcome of patients with symptomatic TFCC injuries treated with arthroscopic debridement or repair. Patients and Methods A retrospective study of all consecutive patients with a TFCC injury treated arthroscopically was conducted. The primary outcome was the patient-rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) score. Secondary outcomes were, pain, operative findings, complications, and additional treatment. Results A total of 51 patients with a median follow-up of 16.5 months (interquartile range [IQR]: 13–25) were included. Injuries were treated with TFCC debridement (n = 25), TFCC ligament to capsule suturing (n = 10), TFCC debridement and ligament to capsule suturing (n = 7), TFCC debridement and synovectomy (n = 5), and TFCC foveal reinsertion with a suture anchor (n = 4). The median PRWE was 19.5 (IQR: 6–49). Complications occurred in three patients and in nine patients additional surgery was performed. Conclusion Arthroscopic treatment of TFCC lesions leads to satisfactory functional outcomes. Level of Evidence This is a Level IV study.

BackgroundTranexamic acid reduces blood loss associated with various surgical procedures. Postoperative bleeding caused by dissection or bleeding of the enteric staple lines is a well-known complication following bariatric surgery. Reoperation in order to restore hemostasis is frequently necessary (up to 2.5% in literature). The effect of conservative therapy using tranexamic acid for postoperative hemorrhage after bariatric surgery is still very much a novel technique. The aim is to present our results (reoperation rate and thrombo-embolic complication rate) of tranexamic acid therapy for postoperative bleeding after bariatric surgery in comparison to those in existing literature.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed 1388 patients who underwent bariatric surgery (laparoscopic gastric bypass or laparoscopic gastric sleeve). Use of tranexamic acid, reoperation rate, transfusion rate and rate of thrombo-embolic complications were reviewed.ResultsForty-five of 1388 (3.2%) total patients experienced significant hemorrhage after bariatric surgery. Tranexamic acid was administered in 44 of these patients. A failure of the treatment with tranexamic acid was observed in four patients. The incidence of reoperation was 0.4% for the entire population. No thrombo-embolic complications were registered for patients receiving tranexamic acid.ConclusionThese findings suggest that the administration of tranexamic acid appears to be safe in reducing the reoperation rate for bleeding after bariatric surgery.

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between volar plate removal and the Soong classification following fixation for fractured distal radius. In this retrospective cohort study, all consecutive patients who had volar plate fixation for a distal radius fracture in 2011–2015 were reviewed. Differences in Soong classification between patients who had plate removal and those who did not were analysed. The total incidence of plate removal was calculated and the indications analysed. A total of 323 patients were included. The incidence of plate removal in all patients was 17%. Soong classification was significantly higher in patients who had plate removal compared with those who did not. For patients with plate placement classified as Soong grade 2, the incidence of plate removal was almost six times higher than those classified as Soong grade 0. The relationship between volar plate removal and a higher Soong grading stresses the importance of accurate plate positioning.Level of evidence: IV