It would be great it you can post an x-ray with the t-bar plate in situ. Normally this is screwed into the radius though (as you mention the ulna) as a Smith's fracture is a fracture of the radius. The radius and ulna (actually more the radius) roll as they cross each other when you face your palm down (pronation) and they un-cross when the palm faces up (supination). A therapist will be able to assess whether it is the active movement is restricted or whether both the passive and active movements are blocked into the supinated (palm up) position. If passive movement is blocked they can assess the proximal radioulnar joint (near the elbow) to see if they is functioning normally. They can also assess general muscle strength or atrophy.

As a general comment I think that assessment would be likely to tell you if a plate removal could help. That said, I think that it might be the case that the removal will prove beneficial as the joint narrowing should not affect that movement. Do let us know how you get on.


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