Abstract: Comminuted intra articular fractures of the distal end of radius AO type C3 is a very gruesome injury considering the difficulty in treatment and the results. Treatment decisions are often difficult and they may end up in loss of range of movement and CRPS, if not properly addressed. Complete anatomical reduction is difficult in these types of fractures and the methods adopted are external fixation or internal dorsal distraction plating, the latter being a relatively newer method.
Aims: To study the functional and radiological outcome of dorsal distraction plating of comminuted distal end of radius fractures AO type C3.
Patients and Methods: A single cohort longitudinal study of 24 Patients who sustained AO C3 type fractures of distal end of radius and have undergone dorsal distraction plating were selected and followed up for a period of 1year. Functional assessment was done using Green O’Brien score and radiological assessment was done using Sarmiento score.
Results: One year follow-up of 24 patients showed average palmar flexion of 560, dorsiflexion 600, radial length of 10mm, radial inclination of 150, volar tilt of 30 and ulnar variance of 0.5mm. Functional scoring using Green O’Brien score showed more than 80% good to excellent result and radiological assessment by Sarmiento scoring showed 95% good results.
Conclusion: Internal dorsal distraction plating in AO type C3 fractures yield better result compared to external fixation or volar locking plates. Functional and radiological outcomes are better in this type of fractures after dorsal distraction plating.
