Surgical Technique for Anatomical Plate Placement in Radial and Ulnar Diaphyseal Fractures

Preoperative Considerations

• The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons recommends radiographic evaluation including at least three projections (posteroanterior, lateral, and oblique) to characterize the fracture adequately 1
• Computed tomography may be necessary in cases of complex or comminuted fractures for better surgical planning 1

Surgical Technique

Recommended Technique

• The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons suggests that volar plates provide earlier functional recovery (at 3 months) compared to other fixation techniques in fractures involving the volar-ulnar corner of the distal radius 2

Postoperative Management

• The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons found that there is no significant difference between home exercise programs and supervised therapy, suggesting that home exercises can be an effective option 3