Incidence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Distal Radius Fractures Treated by Various Modalities in a Tertiary Care Center: A Single Center Study

Abstract

BackgroundDistal end radius fractures (DRF), which account for 17.5% of all fractures, are the most frequent fracture seen in emergency rooms. In patients with DRFs, delayed carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) occurs in about 20% of cases. When patients are treated with DRFs using different modalities, CTS results in poor functional outcomes. Our study aims to identify the prevalence of CTS in DRF patients receiving treatment with various modalities. Materials and methodsTwo hundred twenty patients with a history of DRFs who were treated by a variety of modalities at R.L. Jalappa Hospital and Research Center between January 2013 and January 2018 are included in this retrospective analysis. The medical records from the department of the hospital's paperwork were used to gather the patient's information and radiographs. The information was gathered, tabulated, and examined. ResultsIn our study, the incidence of CTS in DRF was calculated using a sample size of 220 and found to be 32.73%. The incidence of CTS was shown to be higher in groups with more comminution than less comminution when treatment modalities were analyzed. These groups included closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF)/open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with K wire, external fixation, conservative with the cast, ORIF with variable angle volar locking plate (VAVLP), and ORIF with volar T locking plates (VTLP). ConclusionsAfter DRFs, carpal tunnel syndrome is the most significant consequence limiting functional results, hence preventing it requires considerably more attention and care.

Is Carpal Tunnel Release Necessary in High-Energy Distal Fractures of the Radius?

“…Possible unfavorable anatomical changes in the wrist in CTS after DRFx should be considered. Another study reported more cases of CTS in the prophylactic CTR group because different approaches were used to release the carpal tunnel [29]. In our study, as the same approach was used in all patients undergoing CTR, no comparison could be made in this regard.…”