ڈسٹل ریڈیس ORIF

This is the clinical evidence summary written for health professionals. It is technical, and it lists the research this page was built from. You do not need to read it to understand your treatment or to make a decision about it.

Overview¶

• A network meta-analysis of randomized trials found that open reduction and internal fixation with a plate offers the best results for adult patients with a distal radius fracture in terms of early and sustained functional recovery and a reduction in fracture healing complications [7].
• In adults, early mobilization for patients with distal radius fractures treated with ORIF may have a beneficial functional effect compared to late mobilization at earlier stages [1].
• The mean differences in DASH scores at 6 weeks for early mobilization compared to late mobilization surpass the minimal clinically important difference [1].
• Substantial variations in surgical direct costs for distal radius ORIF exist, with implant choice being the predominant driver [3].
• In comminuted intra-articular distal radius fractures, placing the distal row of screws greater than 3mm from subchondral bone was associated with increased odds of worsening ulnar variance [2].
• The Lift-Off Screw (LOS) length can be calculated, and the technique can potentially be used with any distal radius periarticular locking plate with locking options in the shaft [5].
• Radial column plating of the distal radius is a safe treatment modality and a valuable adjunct in the setting of complex distal radius fractures [6].
• Patients undergoing radial column plating of the distal radius should be counseled that there is a 28% chance that hardware removal may be required [6].
• The treatment of displaced intra-articular distal radius fractures with a dorsally versus a volarly placed interlocking plate system demonstrated similar clinical results [9].

Anatomy & Pathophysiology¶

Bony Anatomy¶

• The distal radius articular surface is biconcave and consists of scaphoid and lunate facets [31].
• The distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) articulates with the ulna at the sigmoid notch [31].
• Lister tubercle is a small dorsal prominence that serves as a landmark for the dorsal approach to the wrist [31].
• Lister tubercle is a cause of attritional rupture of the extensor pollicis longus (EPL) after a distal radius fracture [31].
• The distal radial metaphysis has thin cortex and is vulnerable to bending forces [31].
• The brachioradialis insertion on the radial styloid acts as a deforming force in distal radius fractures [31].
• In a normal wrist with neutral ulnar variance, the distal radius bears 80% of axial load [31].
• The carpus encompasses two rows of eight bones that serve as a bridge between the forearm and the hand [19].
• The proximal carpal row from radial to ulnar includes the scaphoid, lunate, and triquetrum [19].
• The distal carpal row from radial to ulnar includes the trapezium, trapezoid, capitate, and hamate [19].
• The scaphoid is a small, irregular S-shaped tubular bone located in the proximal carpal row on the radial aspect of the wrist [25].
• The scaphoid lies entirely within the wrist joint at a 45-degree plane to the longitudinal and horizontal axis of the wrist [25].
• The scaphoid articulates with the trapezium/trapezoid, radius, capitate, and lunate [25].
• The scaphoid has a surface extensively covered with articular cartilage (over 80%), resulting in reduced capacity for periosteal healing and an increased tendency for delayed union and nonunion [25].
• The scaphoid is ridged across its nonarticular dorsoradial surface, along which the critical dorsal ridge vessels traverse [25].
• The dorsal ridge of the scaphoid is the insertion point for both the dorsal component of the scapholunate and intercarpal ligaments [25].
• The radioscapocapitate ligament does not attach to the bone itself but crosses the waist, acting as a sling across it allowing it to rotate [25].
• There are no tendon attachments to the scaphoid [25].
• The scaphoid acts as a midcarpal joint “bridge” linking and synchronizing the motions of the proximal and distal carpal rows as part of the key intercalated segment [25].
• Motion of the scaphoid includes rotation proximally and gliding distally, while providing stability to the midcarpal joint [25].

Vascular Anatomy¶

• The blood supply of the scaphoid is largely retrograde and meagre, provided by two vascular pedicles originating from the scaphoid branches of the radial artery [25].
• The dorsal branch of the scaphoid blood supply enters via small foramina along the spiral groove and dorsal ridge, supplying 70% to 80% of the scaphoid proximally, including the proximal pole [25].
• The volar branch of the scaphoid blood supply enters via the scaphoid tubercle and supplies the remaining 20% to 30% of the distal scaphoid [25].
• The waist of the scaphoid has minimal or no perforating vasculature [25].
• No vessels perforate the proximal dorsal cartilaginous area or through the scapholunate ligament [25].
• Proximal scaphoid fractures are associated with at least temporary disruption of the interosseous blood supply to the proximal pole [25].

Ligamentous Anatomy¶

• The extrinsic ligaments of the carpus connect the carpal bones to the forearm bones proximally and the metacarpals distally [27].
• The extrinsic palmar radiocarpal ligaments include the transverse carpal, radioscaphocapitate (RSC), radioscapholunate (RSL), radial collateral, long radiolunate (RLT), and short radiolunate ligaments [27].
• The extrinsic ulnocarpal ligaments include the ulnotriquetral (dorsal and palmar), ulnolunate, and ulnocapitate ligaments [27].
• Strong oblique extrinsic palmar radial ligaments prevent the carpus from translating medially on the angulated slope of the distal radius through two V-shaped ligamentous bands [27].
• The proximal V-shaped ligamentous band connects the forearm to the proximal carpal row and includes the long radiolunate, radioscapholunate, ulnolunate, and ulnotriquetral ligaments [27].
• The distal V-shaped ligamentous band connects the forearm to the distal carpal row and includes the radioscaphocapitate and ulnocapitate ligaments [27].
• A V-shaped interligamentous sulcus over the capitolunate articulation, known as the space of Poirier, is an interval of capsular weakness [27].
• Maximal space of Poirier is seen when the wrist is dorsiflexed, with the space almost disappearing in palmar flexion [27].
• The lunate displaces into the carpal canal through the space of Poirier during dorsal dislocations [27].
• The arcuate ligament is found in the central third of the palmar joint capsule and is formed from the interdigitation of transverse fibers of the radioscaphocapitate, ulnocapitate, triquetrocapitate, and volar scaphotriquetral ligaments [27].
• The arcuate ligament forms a support sling for the midcarpal region, particularly the head of the capitate [27].
• The extrinsic dorsal carpal ligaments include the dorsal radiocarpal (DRC) ligament and the dorsal intercarpal ligament, which form a V-shaped configuration [27].
• The ulnodorsal capsule of the wrist is reinforced by the ulnolunate and ulnotriquetral ligaments and the floors of the fifth and sixth extensor compartments [27].
• The intrinsic ligaments connect individual carpal bones to one another and are intra-articular short fibers [27].
• The intrinsic ligaments include the palmar midcarpal ligaments (scaphotrapeziotrapezoid, scaphocapitate, triquetrocapiate, triquetrohamate), the proximal interosseous ligaments (scapholunate, lunotriquetral), and the distal interosseous ligaments (trapeziotrapezoid, trapeziocapitate, capitohamate) [27].
• The V-shaped scaphotrapezium–trapezoid ligament on the radial side of the wrist provides stability to the scaphoid–trapezium–trapezoid articulation as well as the scaphoid itself [27].
• The scaphocapitate ligament is a large robust ligament that provides midcarpal stability [27].

Pathophysiology & Biomechanics¶

• Distal radius fractures are the most common fractures of the upper extremity, with over 300,000 cases per year in the United States [31].
• Distal radius fractures have a bimodal distribution: young patients typically sustain high-energy trauma, while elderly patients typically sustain low-energy falls [31].
• In elderly patients, distal radius fractures are the most common upper extremity osteoporotic fracture [31].
• Normal radiographic parameters for the distal radius include an average radial height of 11 mm, radial inclination of 22 degrees, and volar tilt of 11 degrees [31].
• Acceptable radiographic deviations for distal radius fractures include less than 5 mm of shortening, less than a 5-degree change in radial inclination, and less than 10-degree dorsal angulation [31].
• Ulnar variance is assessed with the forearm in neutral rotation and compared with the contralateral side [31].
• The distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) alignment is assessed on a true lateral radiograph [31].
• Ligamentous injuries associated with distal radius fractures include scapholunate (SL), lunotriquetral (LT), or triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries [31].
• Radiocarpal dislocation or “inferior arc” injury is highly unstable and difficult to reduce closed [31].
• Computed tomography (CT) is used for detail of complex intraarticular patterns, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used for occult fracture, bone contusion, and associated soft tissue injury [31].
• Placing the distal row of screws greater than 3mm from subchondral bone in comminuted intra-articular distal radius fractures is associated with increased odds of worsening ulnar variance [2].

Classification¶

• In adults, early mobilization for distal radius fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation may have a beneficial functional effect compared to late mobilization at earlier stages [1].
• The mean difference in DASH scores at 6 weeks between early and late mobilization for distal radius fractures treated with ORIF surpasses the minimal clinically important difference [1].
• In comminuted intra-articular distal radius fractures, placing the distal row of screws greater than 3mm from subchondral bone is associated with increased odds of worsening ulnar variance [2].
• The Lift-Off Screw (LOS) length can be calculated for accurate sagittal tilt correction in a distal radius fracture model [5].
• The Lift-Off Screw technique can potentially be used with any distal radius periarticular locking plate that has locking options in the shaft [5].
• Open reduction and internal fixation with a plate offers the best results for adult patients with a distal radius fracture in terms of early and sustained functional recovery [7].
• Open reduction and internal fixation with a plate offers the best results for adult patients with a distal radius fracture in terms of a reduction in fracture healing complications [7].
• The lifetime risk of distal radius fracture is 15% for women and 2% for men [13].
• Most distal radius fractures are treated nonsurgically with a plaster cast after closed reduction [13].
• The number of distal radius fractures receiving surgical intervention has increased as surgical treatment has advanced and the general population ages [13].
• Surgical methods for distal radius fractures have shifted from percutaneous pinning or external fixation to open reduction and internal fixation [13].
• The benefit of immediate structural rigidity of fractures, even in osteoporotic bone, after ORIF using volar plating and screws enables early cast removal and mobilization of the hand [13].
• ORIF using volar plating and screws has become the preferred surgical approach among hand and orthopedic surgeons for distal radius fractures [13].
• Complication rates following ORIF of distal radius fractures vary from 0% to 60% [13].
• A systematic review of 55 studies including 3,911 fractures reported complication rates following ORIF of distal radius fractures varying from 0% to 60% [13].

Clinical Presentation¶

• The mean difference in DASH scores at 6 weeks for early mobilization compared to late mobilization in distal radius fractures treated with ORIF surpasses the minimal clinically important difference [1].
• A network meta-analysis of randomized trials indicates that open reduction and internal fixation with a plate offers the best results for adult patients with a distal radius fracture in terms of early and sustained functional recovery [7].
• Open reduction and internal fixation with a plate is associated with a reduction in fracture healing complications for adult patients with a distal radius fracture compared to other interventions in a network meta-analysis of randomized trials [7].
• The benefit of immediate structural rigidity of distal radius fractures after ORIF using volar plating and screws enables early cast removal and mobilization of the hand [13].
• Complication rates following ORIF of distal radius fractures have been reported to vary from 0% to 60% in a systematic review of 55 studies including 3,911 fractures [13].

Investigations¶

Imaging Protocols and Diagnostic Sensitivity¶

• Standard scaphoid radiographs are used for primary assessment to detect displacement and associated fractures in radiocarpal instability [29].
• Provocative stress tests may be required to demonstrate dynamic radiocarpal instability [29].
• CT may be required to better define associated bony injuries in radiocarpal instability [29].
• MRI can be used to determine the extent of ligamentous disruption in radiocarpal instability [29].
• A decrease in the ulnocarpal index may provide the only clue to diagnosis in cases of subtle ulnar translation [29].
• CT is more sensitive for diagnosing a scaphoid fracture and is useful for confirming alignment of bone fragments if surgery is planned [34].
• MRI is the definitive way to confirm or exclude a diagnosis of scaphoid fracture if the technique is available [34].
• 10–15% of scaphoid fractures are not visible on initial X-rays [28].
• If initial X-rays are normal but clinical suspicion remains, the wrist should be immobilized and re-imaged in 2 weeks or via MRI [28].
• Secondary imaging modalities are predominantly used in the assessment of scaphoid fractures and the diagnosis of intercarpal ligament injury and any associated instability [35].
• Ultrasound scanning (USS) is used for suspected carpal fractures and ligament injuries [35].
• CT (2D/3D) is used for suspected carpal fractures, fracture displacement, malunion, nonunion, and bone loss [35].
• Dynamic CT is used by some for ligament injuries [35].
• Bone scintigraphy is used for suspected carpal fractures and avulsion injuries [35].
• Arthrography ± videofluoroscopy is used for ligament injuries [35].
• MRI is used for suspected carpal fractures, avascular necrosis (AVN) of carpal bones, and ligament injuries [35].
• Wrist arthroscopy is used for suspected carpal fractures, fracture displacement, and ligament injuries [35].
• Live/video fluoroscopic evaluation of the wrist provides diagnostic clarity for dynamic instability with sensitivities reported between 86% and 95% and specificity between 80% and 97% for diagnosing scapholunate ligament injury [35].
• Ultrasound scanning (USS) provides an additional tool for the detection of carpal ligament injuries, though the technique is operator dependent [35].

Radiographic Measurements and Instability Patterns¶

• The lateral intrascaphoid angle is normally 30 degrees ±5 degrees on a sagittal view, with an angle greater than 35 degrees used as a cut-off for displacement [35].
• The AP intrascaphoid angle is normally 40 degrees ± 5 degrees on coronal views [35].
• The dorsal cortical angle is normally 140 degrees, with values greater than 160 degrees considered abnormal on a sagittal view [35].
• The scaphoid height-to-length ratio is normally 0.60, with values greater than 0.65 considered abnormal on a sagittal view [35].
• Intraobserver reliability for the lateral intrascaphoid angle is poor, while interobserver reliability is poor to moderate [35].
• Intraobserver reliability for the dorsal cortical angle is moderate to excellent, while interobserver reliability is moderate to excellent [35].
• Intraobserver reliability for the scaphoid height-to-length ratio is excellent, while interobserver reliability is moderate to excellent [35].
• Dorsal intercalated segmental instability (DISI) is characterized by the lunate tilting backwards and the scaphoid tilting somewhat volarwards [28].
• Volar intercalated segment instability (VISI) is characterized by the lunate and scaphoid tilting somewhat volarwards and the capitate and metacarpals lying anterior (volar) to the radius [28].
• In a normal lateral X-ray, the axes of the radius, lunate, capitate, and third metacarpal are co-linear, and the scaphoid projects at an angle of about 45 degrees to this line [28].
• DISI pattern is most commonly associated with displaced scaphoid fractures and scapholunate dissociation (SLD) [35].
• Assessment of Gilula's lines can aid in the diagnosis of perilunate dislocations [35].

Anatomical Context for Imaging Interpretation¶

• The proximal carpal row has no direct tendon attachments, and its movement results from bone shape, interaction with other bones, and ligament attachments [19].
• The pisiform bone is a sesamoid bone enclosed within the sheath of the flexor carpi ulnaris tendon and should not theoretically be considered within the proximal carpal row [19].
• The trapezium articulates with the first metacarpal, the trapezoid with the second, the capitate with the third, and the hamate with the fourth and fifth metacarpals [19].
• There is 30 to 40 degrees of flexion–extension and rotation at the metacarpotrapezial joint [19].
• Motion at the distal carpal row is controlled by the extrinsic wrist flexors and extensors [19].
• The ligaments of the wrist are predominantly contained within the joint capsule [19].
• Apart from the scaphocapitate ligament, carpal ligaments are not described consistently across anatomical studies [19].

Treatment¶

Surgical Approach and Technique¶

• Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with a plate offers the best results for adult patients with distal radius fractures in terms of early and sustained functional recovery and a reduction in fracture healing complications [7].
• The immediate structural rigidity of fractures after ORIF using volar plating and screws enables early cast removal and mobilization of the hand [13].
• The large tenaculum clamp facilitates anatomical restoration of volar tilt and volar translation while allowing intraoperative fluoroscopy [22].
• The use of a large tenaculum clamp potentially minimizes complications such as flexor tendon abrasion or rupture [22].
• The lift-off screw technique can potentially be used with any distal radius periarticular locking plate with locking options in the shaft [5].

Implant Selection and Positioning¶

• Substantial variations in surgical direct costs for distal radius ORIF exist, and implant choice is the predominant driver [3].
• Placing the distal row of screws greater than 3mm from subchondral bone was associated with increased odds of worsening ulnar variance in comminuted intra-articular distal radius fractures [2].

Postoperative Management¶

• Early mobilization for patients with distal radius fractures treated with ORIF may have a beneficial effect compared to late mobilization at earlier stages [1].
• Mean differences in DASH scores at 6 weeks for early mobilization compared to late mobilization surpass the minimal clinically important difference [1].

Complications and Hardware¶

• There is a 28% chance that hardware removal may be required for patients treated with radial column plating of the distal radius [6].

Complications¶

• Complication rates following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of distal radius fractures have been reported to vary from 0% to 60% [13].
• A systematic review of 55 studies including 3,911 fractures found no standard for evaluating what should be defined as a complication after ORIF using volar plating [13].
• In a retrospective study of 822 patients, the complication rate following volar locking plate fixation of distal radius fractures was determined as the primary aim [13].
• Radial column plating of the distal radius is associated with a 28% chance that hardware removal may be required [6].
• Open reduction and internal fixation with a plate offers a reduction in fracture healing complications compared to other treatments for adult patients with distal radius fractures [7].
• Early mobilization for patients with distal radius fractures treated with ORIF may have a beneficial functional effect compared to late mobilization, with mean differences in DASH scores at 6 weeks surpassing the minimal clinically important difference [1].

Recovery¶

• Early mobilization for patients with distal radius fractures treated with ORIF may have a beneficial functional effect compared to late mobilization at earlier stages [1].

Key Evidence¶

• [L1] Functionally, at earlier stages, early mobilization for patients with distal radius fractures treated with ORIF may have a beneficial effect compared to late mobilization, with mean differences in DASH scores at 6 weeks surpassing the minimal clinically important difference. [1] (10.1186/s13018-021-02837-0)
• [L4] In this two-center retrospective cohort of comminuted intra-articular distal radius fractures, placing the distal row of screws greater than 3mm from subchondral bone was associated with increased odds of worsening ulnar variance. [2] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2025.03.016)
• [L3] Substantial variations in surgical direct costs for distal radius ORIF exist, and implant choice is the predominant driver. [3] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2018.04.015)
• [L5] The LOS length can be calculated, and this technique can potentially be used with any distal radius periarticular locking plate with locking options in the shaft. [5] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2018.02.011)
• [L4] Radial column plating of the distal radius is a safe treatment modality and a valuable adjunct in the setting of complex distal radius fractures, but patients should be counseled that there is a 28% chance that hardware removal may be required. [6] (10.1177/1558944718760861)
• [L1] A network meta-analysis of randomized trials revealed that open reduction and internal fixation with a plate offers the best results for adult patients with a distal radius fracture, in terms of early and sustained functional recovery and a reduction in fracture healing complications. [7] (10.5435/jaaos-d-18-00424)
• [L3] The treatment of displaced intra-articular distal radius fractures with a dorsally versus a volarly placed interlocking plate system demonstrated similar clinical results. [9] (10.1177/1558944716675129)
• [L4] [13] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.11.012)
• [L4] The large tenaculum clamp facilitates anatomical restoration of volar tilt and volar translation while allowing intraoperative fluoroscopy, potentially minimizing complications such as flexor tendon abrasion or rupture. [22] (10.1016/j.jhsa.2018.11.017)

References¶

[1] In adults, early mobilization may be beneficial for distal radius fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research. 2021. DOI: 10.1186/s13018-021-02837-0

[2] The Association Between Distal Screw and Articular Subsidence in the Open Treatment of Intra-articular Distal Radius Fractures. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2026. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2025.03.016

[3] Evaluation of Factors Driving Cost Variation for Distal Radius Fracture Open Reduction Internal Fixation. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2018. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2018.04.015

[5] Lift-Off Screw Results in Accurate Sagittal Tilt Correction in a Distal Radius Fracture Model. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2018. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2018.02.011

[6] Complications of Radial Column Plating of the Distal Radius. HAND. 2018. DOI: 10.1177/1558944718760861

[7] Interventions for Distal Radius Fractures: A Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Trials. Journal of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. 2019. DOI: 10.5435/jaaos-d-18-00424

[9] Management of Intra-Articular Distal Radius Fractures: Volar or Dorsal Locking Plate—Which Has Fewer Complications?. HAND. 2016. DOI: 10.1177/1558944716675129

[13] Complications After Volar Locking Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures: A Retrospective Study of 822 Patients. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2022.11.012

[19] Rockwood And Green S Fractures In Adults. 42: Fractures of the Distal Radius and Ulna > Pathoanatomy and Applied Anatomy Relating to Carpal Fractures and Dislocations.

[22] Use of a Large Tenaculum Clamp as a Reduction Technique for Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures. The Journal of Hand Surgery. 2019. DOI: 10.1016/j.jhsa.2018.11.017

[25] Rockwood And Green S Fractures In Adults. 42: Fractures of the Distal Radius and Ulna > Pathoanatomy and Applied Anatomy Related to Scaphoid Fractures.

[27] Rockwood And Green S Fractures In Adults. 42: Fractures of the Distal Radius and Ulna > Extrinsic Ligaments.

[28] Apley And Solomon S Concise System Of Orthopaedics And Trauma. FRACTURES OF THE DISTAL RADIUS IN CHILDREN > Imaging.

[29] Rockwood And Green S Fractures In Adults. 42: Fractures of the Distal Radius and Ulna > Assessment of Radiocarpal Instability.

[31] Miller S Review Of Orthopaedics. SECTION 16 PATELLAR TRACKING IN TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY > DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES.

[34] Apley And Solomon S Concise System Of Orthopaedics And Trauma. FRACTURES OF THE DISTAL RADIUS IN CHILDREN > FRACTURE OF THE SCAPHOID.

[35] Rockwood And Green S Fractures In Adults. 42: Fractures of the Distal Radius and Ulna > Secondary Imaging Methods.