Is early hardware removal compulsory after retention of angled drill guides in palmar locking plates? The role of pronator quadratus reconstruction.

Palmar plate fixation is becoming a well recognized treatment for distal radial fracture. Tendon ruptures or irritations have been reported after this procedure. Inadvertent retention of angled drill guides useful for easy placement of locking screws in proper direction in volar plating can represent a high risk of secondary tendon rupture. In this case, we presented our experience in one patient in whom drill guides removal could be delayed for one year and summarized our techniques to prevent the aforementioned complications.