From the Research
During a dorsal and lateral plating surgical procedure for a distal radius fracture, the structures exposed include the extensor retinaculum, extensor tendons, dorsal sensory branch of the radial nerve, and dorsal cortex of the distal radius through the dorsal approach, and the first dorsal compartment, abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons, radial styloid, and radial artery through the lateral approach. The most recent and highest quality study 1 highlights the importance of careful dissection and protection of these structures to minimize complications. Key structures exposed during the procedure are:
- Extensor retinaculum
- Extensor tendons, particularly the extensor pollicis longus
- Dorsal sensory branch of the radial nerve
- Dorsal cortex of the distal radius
- First dorsal compartment
- Abductor pollicis longus and extensor pollicis brevis tendons
- Radial styloid
- Radial artery Understanding the anatomical relationships between these structures is crucial for successful fixation and minimizing complications such as tendon irritation, nerve injury, or vascular compromise, as emphasized in 1. The specific structures exposed may vary depending on the exact surgical technique and the pattern of the distal radius fracture being treated, as noted in 2, 3, 4, 5. However, the most recent study 1 provides the most relevant and up-to-date guidance on this topic.