Low-Intensity Pulsed Ultrasound for Delayed Union of Distal Radius Fracture After Palmar Locking Plate Fixation: A Case Report

Delayed union and non-union of distal radial fractures (DRFs) are rare, and there are a few reports of delayed union and nonunion of DRFs after palmar locking plate (PLP) fixation. A 68-year-old female patient presented to our hospital with left-sided wrist pain. Radiographs and computed tomography revealed a displaced DRF and ulnar styloid fracture. We performed open reduction and internal fixation with a PLP for the DRF and tension band wiring for the ulnar styloid fracture. However, bone union was not completed three months after the operation. We initiated low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) to achieve fracture healing. Complete bone union was confirmed radiographically five months after LIPUS. There have been few case reports on the delayed union or nonunion of DRFs after PLP fixation treated with LIPUS. LIPUS might be an effective option for the delayed union of DRFs after PLP fixation.