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Seven Deadly Sins Of Volar Distal Radius Fracture Fixation, Allicia O. Imada, Jorge Orbay, Deana Mercer

Western Journal of Orthopaedics

Distal radius fractures are common injuries, accounting for 17.0% of all emergency department visits. Operative treatment is an option when indicated. Volar plating has become the most frequently used mode of fixation. Although fixed angle volar locking plates allow for reliable and stable fixation, complications have been reported. Complications include flexor and extensor tendon rupture, intra-articular screw penetration, malreduction, loss of reduction, carpal tunnel syndrome, implant failure, and complex regional pain syndrome. We propose seven principles to avoid these preventable outcomes and tips to succeed.