Volar plating: functional recovery of the pronator quadratus

PURPOSE: The pronator quadratus (PQ) is reflected in the surgical approach to the distal radius. This study explores the functional strength of PQ, 12 months after volar plating without repair of PQ. METHODS: A total of 135 patients were identified from our prospectively collected database. All volunteers had grip strength and pronation power tested in the treated and contralateral forearms at 45, 90 and 135 degrees of elbow flexion using a custom-built torque measuring device and hydraulic hand dynamometer to evaluate forearm pronation. RESULTS: Twenty-seven participants were included in the study. No significant difference was identified in mean peak pronation torque between the volar plated and non-treated forearms. Pronation strength was identified as being independent of angle of elbow flexion. Grip strength was correlated with forearm pronation showing no significant difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest adequate long-term (15–32 months) functional recovery of the pronator quadratus after volar plating. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III.