The Effect of Distal Radius Fractures Involving Distal Radioulnar Articular Joint on Forearm Rotation

Abstract

Background: The objective of this study was to predict the function of forearm rotation on basis of articular surface of sigmoid notch from three-dimensional reconstruction images. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients who underwent volar plate fixation for intra-articular distal radius fractures (DRFs) in our institution between January 2017 and July 2019. The 3D image of sigmoid notch on fractured distal radius was reconstructed and looked up from ulnar view to determine the existence of gaps or steps. Patients with or without gaps/steps on sigmoid notch were included in case group or control group respectively. The patients’ basic data and postoperative data were collected and compared. Results: A total of 81 patients were included. There were 33 patients in case group, and 48 patients in control group. There was no significant difference between the two groups at baseline. Total range of motion (ROM) of rotation in case group and control group were 130.3±6.2 degrees and 145.3±6.7 degrees respectively (P<0.001). Percentage of rotation ROM of contralateral limb in case group and control group were 72.3±3.1% and 80.7±3.6% respectively (P<0.001). VAS during forearm rotation were 2.1±0.7 in case group, which is significantly higher than that in control group (1.5±0.5, P<0.001). Conclusion: This study proposed a new method to assess the articular surface of sigmoid notch which is based on 3D reconstruction images. With the assistance of this method, we found that gaps or steps on sigmoid notch not only limit forearm pronation rotation and supination rotation, but also cause apparent wrist pain during forearm rotation movement.