Technique for Insertion of the Conventus Cage for Distal Radial Fracture Fixation

INTRODUCTION: Use of the intramedullary Conventus DRS Cage and fragment-specific screw fixation of distal radial fractures minimizes soft-tissue trauma, leading to earlier and improved wrist and finger motion while reducing traditional complications seen with internal fixation of distal radial fractures. INDICATIONS & CONTRAINDICATIONS: STEP 1: REDUCE THE FRACTURE: Reduce the fracture with closed or, if necessary, open methods to achieve anatomic restoration of articular congruity, radial inclination, radial length, volar tilt, and coronal shift. STEP 2: PROVISIONALLY STABILIZE THE FRACTURE: Provisionally stabilize the reduced fracture for insertion of the cage and fragment-specific screws with either longitudinal finger-trap traction or longitudinal Kirschner wires. STEP 3: PREPARE FOR CAGE FIXATION: Prepare the distal part of the radius for cavity preparation and insertion of the Conventus DRS Cage. STEP 4: INSERT THE CONVENTUS DRS CAGE: Insert the previously chosen small or large Conventus DRS Cage. STEP 5: FIX THE FRACTURE FRAGMENTS: Anatomically fix the fracture fragments to the cage and radial shaft. STEP 6: CONFIRM FRACTURE STABILITY: Move the wrist through a full range of motion while assessing fluoroscopically whether the fracture has been stabilized with the cage-and-screw construct. STEP 7: CLOSE THE WOUND: Close the skin incision and cutdown wounds and apply dressings. RESULTS: The Conventus DRS Cage has been used for treatment of distal radial fractures in the U.S. for >3 years. PITFALLS & CHALLENGES: