Comparison of volar locking plates with external fixation and K-wires in arthroscopically assisted intra-articular distal radial fracture fixation

Abstract

This article presents the results of a prospective cohort study that included 63 patients with intra-articular (AO Type C) distal radial fractures who were treated using an arthroscopically assisted approach with either volar locking plates or external fixator and K-wires. Postoperative analysis was carried out using X-ray assessment, clinical data, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score, Gartland and Werley score, Modern Activity Subjective Survey of 2007 score, range of motion, grip, pinch and tripod pinch assessment at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months postoperatively. Despite the statistically significant differences found in a number of parameters during the period of observation, there were no clinically relevant differences determined between the two methods. There was a greater number of complications in the external fixator and K-wire treated patients.

Level of evidence: II