Research article
The use of beta-tricalcium phosphate bone graft substitute in dorsally plated, comminuted distal radius fractures
1 Department of Trauma-, Hand-, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
2 Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kantonspital St. Gallen, Switzerland
Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research 2011, 6:24 doi:10.1186/1749-799X-6-24
Published: 22 May 2011Abstract
Background
Intraarticular distal radius fractures can be treated with many methods. While internal fixation with angle stable implants has become increasingly popular, the use of bone graft substitutes has also been recommended to address comminution zones and thus increase stability. Whether a combination of both methods will improve clinical outcomes was the purpose of the study
Methods
The study was thus conducted as a prospective randomized clinical trial. 39 patients with unilateral, intraarticular fractures of the distal radius were included and randomized to 2 groups, one being treated with internal fixation only, while the second group received an additional bone graft substitute.
Results
There was no statistical significance between both groups in functional and radiological results. The occurrence of complications did also not show statistical significance.
Conclusions
No advantage of additional granular bone graft substitutes could be seen in this study. Granular bone graft substitutes do not seem to provide extra stability if dorsal angle stable implants are used. Dorsal plates have considerable complication rates such as extensor tendon ruptures and development of CRPS.
