What are the risk factors and presenting features of premature physeal arrest of the distal radius? A systematic review.

introductionPremature physeal arrest (PPA) of the distal radius is considered a rare complication of physeal wrist fractures. Standardised guidelines for duration of follow up do not exist. The aim of this review is to recognise the risk factors of PPA and guide follow up protocols. The secondary aim is to understand the typical presenting symptoms of PPA.

methodA systematic review was conducted according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. PubMed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, and grey literature were searched from inception to October 2020. Studies included were: (i) original articles, (ii) distal radius physeal injuries, (iii) with at least a partial study population that developed PPA.

resultsThirteen studies were included with 616 physeal injuries. There were 114 PPAs reported with a mean age at time of injury of 10.6 years (1-16). The rate of PPA with radiological follow up was 7-23%. Intraarticular fractures and repeated manipulations increased the rate of PPA. K-wire fixation, open reduction and malunion did not. The most common presenting symptom of PPA was: pain (70%), deformity (55%), restricted range of movement (40%), reduced grip strength (40%) and snapping or clicking (30%). All patients with radial shortening of 10 mm or more were symptomatic.

conclusionThere were no risk factors that reliably predicted all PPA. The majority of patients who develop PPA will remain asymptomatic until significant shortening or deformity have occurred. We recommend a minimum of 18 months radiological follow up for every distal radius physeal injury.