Dorsal Distal Radius Plate Coverage With the Use of Extensor Retinacular Flap.

Distal radius fractures are common upper extremity injuries. Some intra-articular fracture patterns may benefit from a dorsal approach to assist in optimizing joint congruency by direct visualization and reduction of the articular surface. Dorsal plating can be associated with extensor tendon irritation and possible risk of attritional rupture. However, in combination with newer-generation thinner dorsal plates or fragment-specific dorsal plating, the risk of extensor tendon complications can be minimized with the use of extensor retinacular flaps for plate coverage. This paper summarizes a technique that utilizes an interdigitating flap design that can be done to optimize dorsal plate coverage in the treatment of certain intra-articular distal radius fractures.