MINIMALLY INVASIVE SURGERY FOR DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURE

Fracture treatment options typically include casting or surgery, such as with plates, screws, intramedullary nails, or external fixators. In recent years, minimally invasive fracture surgery has become increasingly popular worldwide. This technique offers greater fracture stability while minimizing soft tissue damage and reducing the risk of infection compared to traditional open surgery.

Mrs. T. (66 years old, Ho Chi Minh City) was admitted to Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital after falling at home. She presented with pain and immobility in her right wrist. X-rays revealed a distal radius fracture.

After thorough consultation, the orthopedic team — Dr. Son Tan Ngoc, Specialist Level I, and Dr. Nguyen Van Huynh — performed minimally invasive internal fixation. The operation was completed successfully in under one hour. The patient recovered quickly and regained functional wrist movement shortly after surgery.

In the past, open reduction surgery involved long incisions, extensive dissection of soft tissues, and partial muscle detachment to access and realign the fracture before applying plates or screws. In contrast, minimally invasive fixation requires only a small incision (2 – 3 cm) to access the fracture, allowing for bone realignment and internal fixation with advanced tools such as C-arm fluoroscopy, orthopedic reduction tables, and modern implant systems.

Minimally invasive fixation for distal radius fractures is regarded as an advanced technique aligned with modern trends in orthopedic surgery. According to Dr. Huynh, this technique provides multiple benefits:

• Smaller incisions (2 – 3 cm), leading to less pain, and minimal bleeding
• Shorter operative time, with more preoperative preparation and a reduced hospital stay
• Closed surgical technique offers better sterilization and infection control
• Early mobilization eliminates the need for prolonged casting
• Better cosmetic outcome with smaller, more discreet scars
• Real-time visualization via C-arm enables precise bone alignment and secure fixation without opening the fracture site, thus preserving muscles, periosteum, and soft tissue structures, promoting faster bone healing and quicker return to daily activities

Distal radius fractures are among the most common types of upper limb fractures, typically caused by falls during daily activities or traffic accidents. The most frequent mechanism involves a fall onto an outstretched hand with hyperextended wrist, leading to this injury.

Timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to restore hand and wrist function effectively. Patients with suspected fractures should seek prompt medical attention to receive optimal care and avoid complications.

For several years, Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital has been applying minimally invasive fracture fixation techniques as part of its commitment to high-quality orthopedic care. The hospital continuously invests in state-of-the-art medical equipment and updates its treatment protocols to ensure safe, effective, and modern medical services. Our goal is to enhance treatment outcomes, ensure faster patient recovery, and contribute to the overall health and wellbeing of both local and international patients.

Nam Sai Gon International General Hospital accepts both public health insurance and private health insurance.