Study of clinicoradiological and functional outcomes in intraarticular distal end radius fractures managed by volar locking plate

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Various modalities of fixation are available for management of distal end radius fractures. Assessment of the functional and radiological outcomes of intra-articular distal end radius fractures managed with volar locking plate was attempted with the present study.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> In this prospective interventional study, thirty adult patients with closed distal radius fractures with intra-articular extension were comprehensively evaluated and managed. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) was performed via volar approach (modified Henry`s approach) using 2.7mm volar locking compression plates (LCPs). Patients were followed up at 2 weeks, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months after surgery. The patients were evaluated functionally by Mayo score and radiologically by Lidstrom classification.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> There were 18 (60%) patients having excellent, 8 (26.7) good, 2 (6.7%) fair and 2 (6.7%) with poor result according to Mayo scoring. According to Lidstrom scoring, at the last follow up, 16 (53.3%) patients had excellent, 11 (36.7%) patients good, 2 (6, 7%) patients fair and 1 (3.3%) patient had poor result. The functional status of the patient improved significantly from at 1month (20±3.47) to 6 months post-operative follow up (23.67±2.91). The mean range of motion improved significantly at 1 month, 6 months and last post-operative follow-up.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Volar locking plate gives good to excellent clinico-radiological and functional outcomes in most of the fractures of the distal end radius with intraarticular extension.</p>

Functional Outcomes of Distal Radius Fractures Managed With 2.7MM Variable Angle Volar Locking Compression Plates

“…According to Liderstrom scoring, 53.3% of patients had excellent results. 5 Lakshman K et al operated 30 patients of distal radial fracture with open reduction and internal fixation with volar locking compression plate. Gartland and Werley demerit scoring was used to assess functionality.…”

“…1 Pravin Agrawal also demonstrated excellent functional outcome in 60% of his patients according to Mayo scoring. 5 Prem Kotian in his study demonstrated that there was no significant difference in radial shortening, decrease in palmer angulations and loss of radial deviation after three months follow up. Majority of the patients had a good outcome 60% followed by fair 25% and excellent in 15% according to Sarmiento's Modification of Landerstorm Criteria.…”

“…Stable un displaced fracture are usually managed with plaster of paris casting and splints, however, unstable distal radius fractures and fractures with intra-articular extensions are managed with surgical approach such as percutaneous pinning with Kirschner wire fixation, open reduction and internal fixation with dorsal and volar locking plates and external fixation. 5,6 The open reduction and plate osteosynthesis gives direct fracture reduction, stable fracture fixation, early post-operative mobilization and early return to function. 6 Fixation with Volar locking compression plates has least extensor tendon related complications.…”