Evaluate clinical outcome of open reduction and internal fixation with volar locking plates for displaced unstable distal end radius fractures

Abstract

Background: Fracture of distal radius usually occur as a result of high energy trauma in younger individual with good bone density and also reported in elderly osteoporotic bone. The management is done by cast immobilization to various operative modalities percutaneous K-wire fixation to provide good to excellent results. This study was done to determine the clinical outcome of displaced unstable distal end radius fracture treated with volar locking plates. Objectives: 1. To study the demographic factors of patients with displaced unstable distal end radius fracture. 2. To determine the clinical outcome of patients who treated with volar locking plates. Materials and Methods: This is a prospective observational study done on 33 patients with distal end of radius fracture. The detailed history of the patient was taken and radiographs were assessed. The data was quantified by Modified Gartland and Werley score in which outcome was evaluated. Patient was discharged on 12 th postoperative day and followed up after 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 6thmonth and then yearly. Results: In the present study, 63.63% cases from were from the age group 20-34 years, we had 29 cases (87.88%) males. Most common mode of injury was road traffic accident, in 18 cases (54.55%). In the present study, as per Frykman type VIII type of fracture was the commonest with 21 cases (63.64%). Ulnar was 25 degrees and radial were 15.60. An equal grip strength of the affected as the normal was noted in 27 cases (81.82%). At the final analysis of the outcome of our study excellent results were noted in 15 cases 45.45%. Conclusions: Fracture of distal end of radius is one of the commonest fractures. This fracture is more common in males (87.8%) with predominance on right side. Road traffic accident is still the common mode of injury than fall. On follow up excellent functional outcome found in 45.45.% cases with 81.82% patients achieved good grip strength.