Radiological assessments of injected calcium sulfate bone cements in the treatment of distal radial fracture

It has been reported in many literatures that different kinds of bone graft augmentations have been applied in the treatment of distal radial fractures with favorable results. The authors applied calcium sulfate cement in the treatment of distal radial fractures and evaluated the radiological outcomes of 33 patients. The radiological changes of cement statuses, implants, and radiological parameter of distal radius were analyzed. After closed reduction of the displacement, fractures were fixed by Kirschner pins and stabilized by percutaneous injection of premixed calcium sulfate bone cement. Periodic X-ray evaluations were obtained at immediate post-operation and at every month. A total of 28 patients completed the follow-up and the cement extravasations into wrist joint or into soft tissues had been seen in almost every patient. The gradual settling and losses of radial height, radial inclination angle, and volar tilting angles were significant even after removal of Kirschner pins after 8 weeks. Gradual absorptions of cured cement block inside and outside distal radial cortices were observed in every case and complete absorptions of intraosseous cements after 8 weeks happened in 53.6% (15/28) of patients. The extravasated cements took longer time to fade away. The radiological results of current study revealed negative results of calcium sulfate applied in the treatment of distal radial fracture in terms of reduction parameters and cement block longevity.