This video describes the volar carpal translation maneuver which is used during distal radius fracture ... read more ↘ ORIF. The key to fixing distal radius fractures from the volar approach is first reducing the volar cortex in both the sagittal and coronal planes. Volar tilt is not restored until after the plate is fixed to the radius. The use of kwires through the plate is absolutely essential for fixing these fractures. They perform two functions, first they reduce the fracture and second they tell you where the screws are going to end up. By applying the volar carpal translation maneuver after the plate is applied the volar tilt can easily be restored. Anatomic restoration of the volar tilt is not critical for patient function but it is critical to "cover" the plate and have the volar critical line run volar to the plate. If you like the Xrays the case is over. You drill and fill the holes with no need for Xray until the end of the case. ↖ read less
