Inadvertent retention of angled drill guides after volar locking plate fixation of distal radial fractures

Advances in locking plate technology have proven especially valuable for fixation of distal radial fractures, and preliminary results have been excellent(1-6). However, new technology can sometimes lead to new complications. In some systems, the locking plates are preloaded with angled drill guides to allow for easy placement of locking screws in the proper direction (Fig. 1). The drill guides are designed to be removed prior to closure. We report the cases of three patients in whom the angled drill guides were retained after surgery. Institutional review board approval was obtained for this study, and the patients were informed that data concerning the case would be submitted for publication, and they consented.