Hemiarthroplasty for Complex Distal Radius Fractures in Elderly Patients

Background In elderly patients, distal radius fractures frequently occur in osteoporotic bone and may be nonreconstructable. It is our hypothesis that a hemiarthroplasty replacment of the articular surface can provide satisfactory results in terms of range of motion, pain, and function for immediate salvage of a fracture that is not amenable to internal fixation. Methods Between July 2009 and January 2012, eight elderly patients were treated with insertion of a Sophia distal radius implant (Biotech, Paris, France). Inclusion criteria consisted of an isolated AO type C2 distal radius fracture in patients over 70 years old. All patients were reviewed by an independent surgeon. Results The mean follow-up was 25 months (range, 17-36 months). Mean wrist range of motion (ROM) was 45° (40-50°) of flexion, 44° (40-50°) of extension, and a mean pronation-supination arc of 160°. Mean grip force was 18 kgf. The mean QuickDASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) was 18.2/100 (6.82-29.55), and the mean visual analog scale (VAS) was 2.33 (0-4). X-ray images did not demonstrate implant loosening or ulnar translation of the carpus. Conclusions The Sophia hemiarthroplasty provided rapid recovery of independence in elderly patients with a nonreconstructable comminuted distal radius fracture.