Reconstruction of intraarticular distal radius malunion with 3D printed guide and arthroscopic assisted intraarticular osteotomy

INTRODUCTION: Distal radius fractures are one the most common upper extremity injuries, accounting for 25 % of pediatric fractures and up to 18 % of elderly fractures. Intraarticular malunion is one major complication of distal radius fractures and was reported in 0 to 33 % of total cases. It usually causes pain, deformity, limited range of motion (ROM), and loss of strength. Therefore, proper surgical management to satisfactorily unite the fragment is necessary. Case Illustrations: This is a case series of three adult male and female patients diagnosed with intraarticular distal radius fracture with malunion. They had been diagnosed based on clinical and radiological examinations. Preoperative and postoperative QuickDASH and ROM were measured. Three-dimensional printing was created for planning the osteotomy. Osteotomy was performed using arthroscopy. All patients showed QuickDASH and ROM improvement in all wrist movements. DISCUSSION: The primary goal of the procedure was to restore normal anatomic alignment to improve wrist function and reduce pain. Osteotomy guided by arthroscopy planned by 3D printed surgical guide successfully reduced the malunion fracture. CONCLUSION: Osteotomy assisted by arthroscopy combined with the 3D-printed surgical guide is a promising technique to restore challenging intraarticular distal radius malunion.