Bridge Plate Fixation Of Distal Radius Fractures: Indications, Techniques, And Outcomes

Distal radius fractures are among the most commonly encountered injuries treated by orthopedic surgeons. The incidence of distal radius fractures appears to be on the rise. Although this injury is usually treated nonoperatively, surgical management is often indicated and involves several options, including percutaneous pinning, fragment-specific fixation, volar/dorsal/radial locked plating, intramedullary fixation, and external fixation. More recently, dorsal spanning bridge plating has been introduced for certain fracture patterns and patient circumstances. This article reviews the indications, surgical techniques, outcomes, and potential complications associated with bridge plating of distal radius fractures. The authors believe that this article will familiarize surgeons with an additional surgical technique that can be used to treat complex presentations of a common orthopedic injury.