Volar plating for distal radius fractures: A prospective clinical study

Author(s): Dr. Pawan Kumar, Dr. Shashi Dinakar Minj and Dr. Mritunjay Kumar

Abstract: Distal radius fractures are one of the most common type of fractures. They occur at the end of the radius bone near the wrist joint. An unstable distal radius fracture has been defined as a fracture that after an attempt at closed reduction demonstrates radiographic evidence of more than 15 of angulation in any plane, articular step off of more than 2 mm and/or radial shortening of more than 2 mm. Locked volar plating is the most common surgical procedure to treat distal radius fractures. The extended flexor carpi radial is (FCR) approach/Henry approach continues to be an excellent method for treating distal radius fracture surgically. Volar plating offers biomechanically stable fixation, allows early rehabilitation and enables treatment of the comminuted or osteopenia bone. Aim of the study is to investigate correlation between radiological and clinical outcome in patients of displaced distal radius fractures with volar intraarticular component stabilized by volar locking plate. Material and methods: Total 25 patients of distal radius fractures with ventral intraarticular component were studied in SB Medical College, Hazaribag from August 2019 to September 2021.12 male patients and 13 female patients were present. The age varied from 28-75 years (mean age 58 years). The cases were followed up clinically and radiologically with a mean follow up of 18 months. Outcome was assessed using pain, range of motion (ROM) and grip strength parameters. The immediate post-operative and final checkup radiography were scrutinized for alignment and intra-articular step off. No significant differences could be found between an unacceptable (>2mm) and acceptable (<2mm) ulnar variance in respect of pain, ROM, grip strength and patient reported outcome measurements. Conclusion: Stabilization of DRF by volar locking pate is a safe form of treatment and results in a good clinical and radiological outcome with low complication rate.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.22271/ortho.2021.v7.i4j.2959