Treatment of anterior rim fractures of the distal radius with an anterior rim plate: A retrospective study

Abstract

Treatment of distal radial fractures that include small anterior rim fragments can be difficult. We retrospectively reviewed 19 patients in whom an anterior rim plate with locking screws was used. After a median follow-up of 18 months (range 6–32; interquartile range (IQR) 14, 26), the median wrist flexion and extension arc was 70° (range 50–80; IQR 60, 70), the median grip strength was 80% of the contralateral side (range 52–104; IQR 77, 88), the median visual analogue scale score for pain was 0 (range 0–5; IQR 0, 1), the median disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score was 2 (range 0–59; IQR 0, 11) and the median modified Mayo wrist score was 80 (range 35–100; IQR 75, 85). Two patients exhibited loss of reduction; one was treated conservatively and the other underwent revision surgery. Our findings support anterior rim plates as a treatment option for anterior rim fractures if they are properly placed.

Level of evidence: IV