[Repair of the pronator quadratus muscle with a part of the brachioradialis muscle insertion in volar plate fixation of a distal radius fracture].

THE PROBLEM: Stable pronator quadratus repair following volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures with complete plate coverage is often difficult.

THE SOLUTION: Detachment of the pronator quadratus muscle (PQ) with a strong rim of connective tissue consisting of a fibrous portion of the roof of the first extensor compartment and the volar limb of the brachioradialis muscle (BR) insertion; stable suture repair of the PQ with complete coverage of a volar plate after osteosynthesis of a distal radius fracture.

SURGICAL TECHNIQUE: Radiopalmar approach between the radial artery and the flexor carpi radialis tendon to the PQ; sharp dissection below the radial artery onto the first extensor compartment, which is opened; retraction of the extensor pollicis brevis and abductor pollicis longus tendon; presentation of the BR insertion at the bottom of the first extensor compartment; incision of the BR insertion halfway to proximal and dissection of the volar limb at the transition to the free BR tendon; release of the PQ from the distal radius; after reduction and internal fixation repair of the PQ with complete coverage of the volar locking plate due to slight distal transposition.

RESULTS

Pronator quadratus repair with a part of the brachioradialis muscle insertion is a reliable technique for coverage of a volar plate by slight distal transposition. In the repair of distal radius fractures, this may protect the finger flexor tendons against irritation and/or rupture.