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18th EFORT Annual Congress in Vienna: Reaching hand trauma specialists
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As the EFORT meeting is the larger multidisciplinary platform for educational exchange in orthopaedics and traumatology in Europe, many specialists do not immediately relate it to an opportunity to deepen one’s expertise in a highly specific area. However, besides widespread topics relevant for all orthopaedic and trauma surgeons, the Science Committee of EFORT chooses for each edition of the annual congress several highly specific sessions targeting a specialized audience and aiming to perfect their knowledge.
In this context and to answer to the needs of all hand trauma surgeons attending the Vienna congress, the scientific program includes a specific symposium focusing on intra-articular radius fractures and the variety of techniques for their treatment in all types of patients.
Friday 2 June 2017 | 08:15 to 09:45
Treatment Options of Intra-articular Radius Fractures
Moderation: Jan-Ragnar Haugstvedt (Norway)
- Conservative Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures | Rohit Arora (Austria)
- Volar Locking Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures| John Williksen (Norway)
- Arthroscopic-assisted Treatment of Intra-articular Radius Fractures | Francisco Del Piñal (Spain)
- Advances in the Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures in the Independent Elderly | Guillaume Herzberg (France)
Radius has been reported as the most commonly broken bone in the upper limb. Because the distal end of it is close to the wrist, fractures of the radius are often described as a “broken wrist.” However, only intra-articular fractures extend into the wrist joint as they directly affect the articular surface. Depending on each patient’s medical background (age, activity level, etc.), the nature of the fracture and the degree of the damage, the possible complications and the functional outcome expected, hand surgeons can treat the injury with distinct techniques. Indeed, for extra-articular fractures the outcome is usually good and healing is relatively rapid, which is not the case for the intra-articular fractures where the outcome is not easily predictable.
Each year, numerous medical studies and reports on this injury are published, but still today, no consensus exists for a standardized classification system or for general indications in the surgical treatment. As a matter of fact, many different approaches are ordinarily used. For instance, some orthopaedic surgeons advocate immediate motion with volar plates, while some others recommend immobilization using internal joint plates. Other experts alternatively prefer a conservative approach with only external supports for reduction of the fracture.
By showing key clinical cases and opening the discussion with experts using different approaches, this symposium should show the state-of-the-art treatments of distal intra-articular radius fractures and give a great overview of the best practice. Particularities of the choice between conservative vs. surgical treatments will be analyzed in depth in the context of different types of patients (including elderly who may present a parallel bone condition changing the healing parameters, i.e., osteoporosis). Arthroscopy-based strategies will be also outlined as an additional alternative to be considered for treatment.
No matter which treatment option is chosen, pain management during rehabilitation and return to activity are important factors to monitor and foresee. Most patients are able to recover the functionality of their forearm and wrist and return to their former activities without any complications. However, the nature of the fracture, the approach used by the physician and the patient responsiveness to each specific treatment received may all greatly differ from one individual to another. Some residual stiffness can remain, in particular for high-energy injuries, but the general functionality of the hand is not permanently affected.
Management of distal radius fractures is a topic where much research is performed and innovation is prominent. Its rapid evolution during the past decade justifies the need of a focused analysis to highlight the latest trends and advances.
Attendance at this session is included in the full congress registration. You can sign up on our registration platform to secure your place.
- For more information:
- 18th EFORT Congress in Vienna: Fees and registration
- Access the full 18th EFORT Congress Advanced Scientific Programme