Restoration of teardrop angle (TDA) in distal radius fractures treated with volar locking plates

Distal radius fractures are common fractures of the upper extremity, estimated to account for one-sixth of all fractures seen and treated in emergency rooms.1-3 These fractures are seen in a bimodal age distribution and usually result from a low-energy trauma. Displaced fractures involving the articular surface of the distal radius have the worst prognosis because of the potential for incongruity and arthrosis of the radiocarpal and distal radio-ulnar joints.4 On plain radiographs, Robert Medoff5 introduced the teardrop angle (TDA), which is a radiographic parameter that gives information on the congruity of the lunate facet. This is measured as the angle formed between the central axis of the teardrop and the radial shaft. Although many surgeons are unaware of this parameter, it is important because an abnormal TDA can herald the presence of articular incongruity of the lunate facet. Abstract