Purpose of this review Distal radius fractures are one of the most common fractures in the upper extremity. The purpose of this review is to outline common complications that may arise when caring for distal radius fractures and to describe the treatment strategies when faced with such complications. Recent findings Tendon complications are not uncommon after distal radius fractures. Recent literature highlights new plating technology for dorsal plating techniques. Moreover, new literature has outlined parameters for flexor tendon complications when using volar locking plates in an effort to avoid flexor tendon irritation and rupture. Summary In summary, it is important to understand the various complications that can arise when treating distal radius fractures in an effort to avoid suboptimal outcomes.

Background In recent years, there has been an increased utilization of volar locking plate fixation of distal radius fractures (DRFs). However, reported long-term complication rates with this technique remain unclear. Purpose The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the pooled incidence of complications associated with volar locking plating of DRF. Methods A search of the Scopus database was performed from 2006 through 2016. Studies were considered eligible if they had a diagnosis of a DRF and were treated with a volar locking plate with an average of 12 months or longer follow-up. Results The literature search yielded 633 citations, with 55 eligible for inclusion in the review (total n = 3,911). An overall complication rate of 15% was identified, with 5% representing major complications requiring reoperation. The most common complication types identified included nerve dysfunction (5.7%), tendon injury (3.5%), and hardware-related issues (1.6%). Conclusion Nerve complications were reportedly higher than tendon and hardware-related complications combined. However, despite varying complication rates in the literature, this systematic review reveals an overall low complication rate associated with volar locking plating of DRF.

The recent coronavirus pandemic has prompted providers to adopt telehealth as a way to maintain contact with their patients on an unprecedented scale. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the perception of care for both patients and physicians using telehealth visits for the management of upper extremity orthopaedic conditions. This study consisted of the analysis of surveys sent to both physicians and patients immediately after the completion of a telehealth visit for an upper extremity condition. Eighty percent of patients responded as “very satisfied” with their encounter. Satisfaction scores were similar for patients seen for a new issue or an existing issue. The use of a video platform was preferable to patients compared with a telephone call. Physicians would have requested a radiograph or offered a steroid injection during a new patient evaluation in 77% of cases. Physicians were less satisfied with the use of telemedicine, particularly when evaluating a new patient. A large majority of patients and physicians alike felt telehealth visits have a role in patient management, acknowledging they would both choose to incorporate “some” of their visits as telehealth evaluations for any particular issue.