To evaluate the functional and radiological results of treating unstable fractures of the dorsal distal radius with a volar locking plate.
Methods.
Dorsally displaced distal radial fractures in 30 patients (11 men and 19 women; mean age, 58.6 years) were fixed by volar locking compression plate and followed up for a minimum of one year.
Results.
At final functional assessment, 24 patients achieved excellent and 5 achieved good outcomes, with one patient exhibiting fair results. Radiological scores demonstrated 22 excellent and 8 good outcomes. No nonunion or infection occurred.
Conclusion.
Volar locking compression plating is a safe and effective treatment for unstable fractures of the dorsal distal radius.
RingDJupiterJBBrennwaldJBuchlerUHastingsH2nd. Prospective multicenter trial of a plate for dorsal fixation of distal radius fractures. J Hand Surg Am1997;22:777–84.
3.
CampbellDA. Open reduction and internal fixation of intra-articular and unstable fractures of the distal radius using the AO distal radius plate. J Hand Surg Br2000;25:528–34.
4.
RikliDARegazzoniP. Fractures of the distal end of the radius treated by internal fixation and early function. A preliminary report of 20 cases. J Bone Joint Surg Br1996;78:588–92.
5.
JakobMRikliDARegazzoniP. Fractures of the distal radius treated by internal fixation and early function. A prospective study of 73 consecutive patients. J Bone Joint Surg Br2000;82:340–4.
6.
ChanKWKwokTKMakKH. Early experience with locking compression plate in the treatment of distal radius fracture. Hong Kong J Orthop Surg2003;7:88–93.
7.
LeungFZhuLHoHLuWWChowSP. Palmar plate fixation of AO type C2 fracture of distal radius using a locking compression plate: A biomechanical study in a cadaveric model. J Hand Surg Br2003;28:263–6.
8.
MullerMENazarianSKochP. Classification AO des fractures: Les os longs. Berlin: Springer-Verlag; 1987.
9.
FrykmanG. Fracture of the distal radius including sequelae: Shoulder-hand-finger syndrome, disturbance in the distal radio-ulnar joint and impairment of nerve function. A clinical and experimental study. Acta Orthop Scand1967;108(Supp1):S3.
10.
FernandezDLJupiterJB. Fractures of the distal radius. New York: Springer-Verlag; 1995:26–52.
11.
SarmientoAPrattGWBerryNCSinclairWF. Colles' fractures. Functional bracing in supination. J Bone Joint Surg Am1975;57:311–7.
12.
SarmientoACooperJSSinclairWF. Forearm fractures. Early functional bracing. A preliminary report. J Bone Joint Surg Am1975;57:297–304.
13.
OsadaDViegasSFShahMAMorrisRPPattersonRM. Comparison of different distal radius dorsal and volar fracture fixation plates: A biomechanical study. J Hand Surg Am2003;28:94–104.
14.
KamanoMHondaYKazukiKYasudaM. Palmar plating for dorsally displaced fractures of the distal radius. Clin Orthop Relat Res2002;397:403–8.
15.
OrbayJLFernandezDL. Volar fixation for dorsally displaced fractures of the distal radius: A preliminary report. J Hand Surg Am2002;27:205–15.
16.
OrbayJLFernandezDL. Volar fixed-angle plate fixation for unstable distal radius fractures in the elderly patient. J Hand Surg Am2004;29:96–102.
