A short term prospective study of the functional outcome of comminuted displaced intra-articular fracture of the distal radius treated with volar locking compression plate

Author(s): Dr. Pugazhendhi G, Dr. Srinivasan N and Dr. Venkatachalam K

Abstract: Distal radius fracture accounts for approximately 17% of all fractures. More than half of these fractures are intra-articular and associated with Distal Radio Ulnar Joint (DRUJ) injuries. Several treatment modalities have been described like plaster cast, external fixation and open reduction and internal fixation with plate osteosynthesis. Superiority of open reduction and internal fixation with plate osteosynthesis has been established well, as it provide angular stability and allow for early mobilization, thereby achieving early functional recovery. In this prospective study, done over a period of 36 months and with a minimal follow-up of at least 12 months, we were able to recruit 56 patients conforming to our inclusion criteria. We had followed the Melone Classification and had operated all cases using the Ellis approach with distal radius volar side specific locking compression plates. We had evaluated the functional outcome of wrist function using the Demerit point system of Gartland and Werley at the end of 12 months of follow-up. Our study concluded that ORIF is an effective surgical management protocol for unstable intra-articular distal radius fracture. In our short term study the overall complication rate was 17.86%. The functional outcome excellent to good in 75% of cases, it was fair in 17.9% of cases and poor in only 7.1% of cases.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/ortho.2018.v4.i4f.57