Corrective osteotomy of distal radial deformities: a new method of guided locking fixed screw positioning

Corrective osteotomy for distal radial malunion is a valuable but at times technically challenging operation. We have developed a new device to aid in the performance of the operation. We compared clinical use of the new technique with the standard technique. In 11 patients treated with the new technique the volar locking plate needed repositioning only once. With the standard technique in 17 patients the plate was repositioned in nine cases and needed bending in six cases. The new method corrected radial inclination (SD of 3 degrees vs. 9 degrees) and ulnar variance (SD of 0.9 mm vs. 1.4 mm) more predictably than the standard technique but there was no advantage in correction of volar tilt (SD of 6 degrees vs. 4 degrees). In our experience the new device makes corrective osteotomy of the distal radius easier and more reliable.