Objective: Radial translation in the radiographic evaluation of distal radius fractures has recently been mentioned in the literature. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect on clinical results of radial translation deformity following conservative treatment of radius distal fractures.
Methods: The radial translation value in the normal population was calculated by evaluating the bilateral wrist radiographs of 278 healthy individuals in the control group. The study group, a retrospective evaluation was made of 447 patients diagnosed with a distal radius fracture and treated with plaster casting. At the final follow-up examination, the wrist radiographs, DASH score, visual analog pain score (VAS), the presence of ulnar-side wrist pain, and Ballotman test results were evaluated.
Results: On the 206 wrist radiographs of the control group, the mean radial translation value was 43.6%±8.2% (range: 25-66%). The mean difference between the right and left wrist measurements of the same patients was found to be 3.94%±1.64%. The study group included 108 patients. In patients with a radial translation difference between the two wrists of >3.94%±1.64%, the DASH and VAS were significantly high (p<0.001). On physical examination, distal radioulnar joint instability was determined in 78% of these patients.
Conclusion: The development of radial translation deformity after plaster cast treatment of a distal radius fracture was seen to have a negative effect on functional outcomes. Therefore, evaluation and correction of this parameter are important in the treatment of distal radius fractures.