Distal Radius Fractures in a Functional Quadruped: Spanning Bridge Plate Fixation of the Wrist

Patients who require assistive devices with their hands for mobilization are called functional quadrupeds. These patients pose a unique challenge after they have a distal radius fracture, as their injury not only limits the wrist but also compromises ambulation. The authors propose a different treatment strategy for functional quadrupeds to improve mobilization and weight bearing with the injured limb after a distal radius fracture. In this article, the authors define the functional quadruped and describe their technique of spanning bridge plate fixation with a retrospective review of patient outcomes.