Publication:

Study of clinicoradiological and functional outcomes in intraarticular distal end radius fractures managed by volar locking plate

Background Various modalities of fixation are available for management of distal end radius fractures. Assessment of the functional and radiological outcomes of intra-articular distal end radius fractures managed with volar locking plate was attempted with the present study.

Methods In this prospective interventional study, thirty adult patients with closed distal radius fractures with intra-articular extension were comprehensively evaluated and managed. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) was performed via volar approach (modified Henry`s approach) using 2.7mm volar locking compression plates (LCPs). Patients were followed up at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after surgery. The patients were evaluated functionally by Mayo score and radiologically by Lidstrom classification.

Results There were 18 (60%) patients having excellent, 8 (26.7) good, 2 (6.7%) fair and 2 (6.7%) with poor result according to Mayo scoring. According to Lidstrom scoring, at the last follow up, 16 (53.3%) patients had excellent, 11 (36.7%) patients good, 2 (6, 7%) patients fair and 1 (3.3%) patient had poor result. The functional status of the patient improved significantly from at 1month (20±3.47) to 6 months post-operative follow up (23.67±2.91). The mean range of motion improved significantly at 1 month, 6 months and last post-operative follow-up.

Conclusions Volar locking plate gives good to excellent clinico-radiological and functional outcomes in most of the fractures of the distal end radius with intraarticular extension.