Table 2. Participants of Wrist and Radius Injury Surgical Trial Reporting a Given Complication Across All Assessed Times During the First 12 Months by Procedure Type, Intent-to-Treat Cohorta.
| Type of Complication | No. (%)b | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| VLPS (n = 65) | External Fixation (n = 62) | Pinning (n = 56) | Casting (n = 104) | |
| Nerve | ||||
| Median nerve compression/carpal tunnel syndrome | 12 (18.5) | 9 (14.5) | 14 (25.0) | 25 (24.0) |
| Radial nerve compression/neuropathy | 3 (4.6) | 8 (12.9) | 4 (7.1) | 2 (1.9) |
| Ulnar nerve compression neuropathy | 5 (7.7) | 4 (6.5) | 3 (5.4) | 4 (3.9) |
| Reflex sympathetic dystrophy | 2 (3.1) | 4 (6.5) | 2 (3.6) | 8 (7.7) |
| Bone/joint | ||||
| Arthritis | 10 (15.4) | 11 (17.7) | 8 (14.3) | 26 (25.0) |
| Carpal instability/subluxation | 4 (6.2) | 4 (6.5) | 0 | 5 (4.8) |
| Malunionc | 1 (1.5) | 8 (12.9) | 2 (3.6) | 35 (33.7) |
| Delayed union | 1 (1.5) | 3 (4.8) | 1 (1.8) | 3 (2.9) |
| Distal radioulnar joint problems | 4 (6.2) | 5 (8.1) | 3 (5.4) | 16 (15.4) |
| Tendon | ||||
| Dupuytren contracture | 5 (7.7) | 1 (1.6) | 2 (3.6) | 2 (1.9) |
| Tendon adhesion/scarring | 5 (7.7) | 3 (4.8) | 4 (7.1) | 6 (5.8) |
| Tendon rupture/tear | 0 | 1 (1.6) | 2 (3.6) | 2 (1.9) |
| Tendinitis/tenosynovitis | 3 (4.6) | 5 (8.1) | 4 (7.1) | 3 (2.9) |
| Trigger finger | 2 (3.1) | 4 (6.5) | 2 (3.6) | 5 (4.8) |
| Other | ||||
| Pin site/incision infection | 1 (1.5) | 16 (25.8) | 13 (23.2) | NA |
| Digit stiffness | 6 (9.2) | 3 (4.8) | 5 (8.9) | 1 (1.0) |
| Ulnar sided wrist pain | 2 (3.1) | 2 (3.2) | 2 (3.6) | 5 (4.8) |
| Shoulder pain/stiffness | 0 | 2 (3.2) | 1 (1.8) | 2 (1.9) |
| Prolonged/unusual swelling | 3 (4.6) | 2 (3.2) | 2 (3.6) | 1 (1.0) |
| Wrist stiffness | 2 (3.1) | 1 (1.6) | 1 (1.8) | 4 (3.9) |
| Pain (not shoulder or ulnar-sided wrist) | 3 (4.6) | 2 (3.2) | 2 (3.6) | 3 (2.9) |
| Fixator problem (eg, cast too tight, lost pin) | 3 (4.6) | 5 (8.1) | 7 (12.5) | 1 (1.0) |
| Any complication | 31 (47.7) | 45 (72.6) | 35 (62.5) | 76 (73.1) |
Abbreviations: NA, not applicable; VLPS, volar locking plate system.
a
The analysis includes 287 participants who were only assessed for complication at least once. Treatment groups are by initial procedure types.
b
Indicates participants reporting on the particular complication at least once during a 12-month period.
c
Malunion was assessed if any 2 of the following 3 radiographical measures were met; dorsal volar tilt more than 10 mm, radial inclination less than 15 mm, and radial shortening longer than 3 mm.