Radiological Parameters for Predicting the Risk of Flexor Tendon Rupture after Volar Plate Fixation for Distal Radius Fracture.

Background: In this study, we aimed to investigate postoperative radiographic parameters for predicting flexor tendon rupture after volar plate fixation for distal radius fractures.

Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, postoperative radiographs of 15 cases of flexor tendon rupture were included as a flexor tendon rupture group. Additionally, data from 45 patients with non-flexor tendon rupture (control group), matched in terms of age, sex, and fracture type (1 : 3) to the flexor tendon rupture group, were reviewed in terms of fracture reduction and plate position. We assessed the Soong grade, plate-to-critical line distance (PCLD), and plate-to-volar rim distance to determine plate position and used other parameters to analyze anatomical reduction including radial tilt, ulnar variance, coronal carpal translation, radius-radial styloid distance, volar tilt, sagittal carpal alignment (SCA), and radius-volar lip distance (RVLD).

Results: We identified 3 significant predictive factors for flexor tendon rupture after volar plate fixation for distal radius fractures. The mean PCLD and SCA were significantly greater in the flexor tendon rupture group than in the control group (p < 0.001). The mean RVLD was smaller in the flexor tendon rupture group than in the control group (p = 0.033). Logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the importance of the variables.

Conclusions: Our findings underscore the importance of PCLD, SCA, and RVLD as significant risk factors for flexor tendon rupture. Accurate plate positioning, achieving appropriate anatomical reduction, and vigilant monitoring for signs of plate irritation in high-risk patients may help prevent flexor tendon rupture.