top of page

Topic:

Distal Radius Fracture

Issue:

Wrist

Category:

Trauma

Title:

Physeal Closure and Fracture Pattern in Adolescent Transitional Distal Radius Fractures

Author:

Strauss, Gus MD; Brennan, Jacob MD; Momtaz, David BS, MPH; Ghali, Abdullah BS; Landrum, Matthew MD; Rose, Ryan MD

Journal:

Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics

Date:

March 2024

Reference:

44(3): p 147-150, DOI: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000002586

Level Of Evidence:

IV

# of Patients:

490

Study Type:

Retrospective chart review

Location:

Single institution

Summary:

This study examines the relationship between the grade of physeal closure and fracture patterns in adolescent distal radius fractures, focusing on transitional fractures.

Methods:

Retrospective chart review of 490 distal radius fractures in adolescents (ages 14 to 18) between 2007 and 2020. Review included the Salter-Harris classification, fracture fragments, and grade of physeal closure. Data were analyzed by a board-certified orthopedic hand surgeon.

Exclusions:

None specified

Results:

Physeal closure in distal radius fractures is significantly associated with fracture type: Salter-Harris type IV fractures are 50 times more likely to have a higher grade of physeal closure (P<0.001). Higher grade closure is 7.37 times more likely in the absence of a dorsal metaphyseal fracture (P=0.011). Higher grade closure is 13.08 times more likely in the presence of an ulnar corner fracture (P=0.021).

Conclusions:

Adolescent transitional fractures of the distal radius occur when the growth plate has partial closure. The physeal closure pattern progresses centrally, followed by ulnar and radial closure. There is a correlation between the grade of physeal closure and the fracture pattern in adolescent distal radius transitional fractures.

Relevance:

Limitations:

Perspective:

bottom of page