Analysis of risk factors associated with flexor pollicis longus injury after volar plating of distal radius fractures.

OBJECTIVE

This study was performed to analyze the risk factors associated with flexor pollicis longus (FPL) attrition or rupture after volar plating of distal radius fractures.

METHODS

Three hundred thirty-eight patients with distal radius fractures were included in this retrospective study. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to predict risk factors.

RESULTS

Univariate analysis showed that sex, volar tilt, the Soong grade, the plate-to-critical line distance (PCLD), the plate-to-volar rim distance (PVRD), and the time of plate removal were significantly associated with FPL attrition or rupture. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that decreased volar tilt, Soong grade 2, PCLD of >2 mm, PVRD of <3 mm, and plate removal at ≥1 year were the risk factors significantly associated with FPL attrition or rupture.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced volar tilt, Soong grade 2, PCLD of >2 mm, and PVRD of <3 mm appear to be risk factors that are significantly associated with FPL attrition or rupture. The findings of this study also suggest that the risk of tendon rupture is lower if a Soong grade 2 plate is removed, the PCLD is >2 mm, the PVRD is <3 mm, or reduced volar tilt is achieved earlier (at <1 year).