Hardware Placement in Distal Radius Fractures: A Study of the Anatomy of the Distal Radioulnar Joint and the Distal Radius

Mentor

Michelle G. Carlson, MD

Scope

Biomechanical and anatomical research will be conducted to study hardware placement in open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) of distal radius fractures. It is hypothesized that better knowledge of specific anatomic variants of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) and distal radius will allow for the development of guidelines for safe screw placement in ORIF distal radius. The medical student will work with the investigator during cadaver dissection of the wrist and detail the anatomic variations in the DRUJ, and the testing of a variety of locking distal radius plates to determine “safe zones” for plate and screw placement. The medical student may conduct literature reviews relevant to the project. In addition, the medial student will accompany the investigator to office hours and surgery to better understand how concepts investigated during biomechanical research may ultimately translate into practice. Research findings will add to knowledge of DRUJ anatomy and change practices in the treatment of distal radius fractures.

Contact

Tracy Klein
kleint@hss.edu