Volar plating for distal radius fractures: A prospective clinical study

Abstract Introduction Distal radius fractures are common and trends for fixation have changed with increased use of volar locking plates in recent time. A meta-analysis will summarise the best evidence for treatment. Method A systematic review was conducted using PRISMA methodology to identify studies that reported clinical and/or radiological outcomes in patients with AO type C distal radius fractures when treated with external fixation versus ORIF. Results 10 randomised trials were included in this review, reporting on 967 patients. Clinical outcomes are in favour of volar plating at 3 months post-operation, but no difference between the two groups is seen at 6 or 12 months. Analysis of complication rates shows a minute increase in risk-ratio for volar plating versus external fixation. Subgroup analysis showed significantly higher re-operations after plate fixation and significantly higher infection after external fixation. Conclusions Internal fixation of complex distal radius fractures confers an improved clinical outcome at early follow up only and a minimally increased risk of complications. The improved grip strength with volar plating is only superior at early follow up and no long-term superiority is seen with either intervention. The type of surgery in this injury type therefore remains at the surgeon’s consideration on a case-by-case basis.

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Su1.3 Angle stable plate or angle stable locked nail fixation in distal radius fractures. An experimental examination and phase I clinical study

Injury ◽

10.1016/s0020-1383(13)70114-1 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 44 ◽

pp. S29-S30

Author(s):

W. Friedl

Keyword(s):

Clinical Study ◽

Phase I ◽

Distal Radius ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Experimental Examination ◽

Angle Stable ◽

Angle Stable Plate

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Classification and Management of Failed Fixation of the Volar Marginal Fragment in Distal Radius Fractures

Journal of Wrist Surgery ◽

10.1055/s-0041-1735885 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

M. Carolina Orbay ◽

Jorge L. Orbay

Keyword(s):

Distal Radius ◽

Patient Characteristics ◽

Distal Radioulnar Joint ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Volar Plating ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Fracture Patterns ◽

Loss Of Reduction ◽

Operative Fixation ◽

Specific Fracture

AbstractGreater understanding of specific fracture patterns following distal radius fractures has arisen with the advent of volar plating. The volar marginal fragment (VMF) is a small peripheral piece of bone which is critical to carpal stability. Failure to achieve good fixation of the VMF can result in volar subluxation of the carpus and distal radioulnar joint instability. Due to its small, distal nature, this fragment can be easily missed and difficult to fix. Loss of reduction of the VMF following operative fixation presents specific challenges and surgical considerations dictated by patient characteristics and timing. Our goal of this review is to present a classification system for these failed VMFs which can help guide surgical treatment as well as expected outcomes.

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Intra-articular distal radius fractures in elderly patients: a randomized prospective study of casting versus volar plating

Journal of Hand Surgery (European Volume) ◽

10.1177/1753193417727139 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 43 (2) ◽

pp. 142-147 ◽

Cited By ~ 27

Author(s):

Daniel Martinez-Mendez ◽

Alejandro Lizaur-Utrilla ◽

Joaquin de-Juan-Herrero

Keyword(s):

Conservative Treatment ◽

Elderly Patients ◽

Distal Radius ◽

Articular Surface ◽

Distal Radius Fractures ◽

Volar Plating ◽

Radius Fractures ◽

Level Of Evidence ◽

Loss Of Reduction

We compared outcomes in elderly patients with intra-articular distal radius fractures treated by closed reduction and plaster immobilization or open reduction and internal fixation with a volar plate. Ninety-seven patients older than 60 years were randomly allocated to conservative (47 patients) or surgical (50 patients) treatment. Over a 2-year period, we assessed patient-rated wrist evaluation score, DASH (disability arm, shoulder and hand) questionnaire, pain, wrist range of motion, grip strength, and radiological parameters. The functional outcomes and quality of life were significantly better after volar plating fixation compared with conservative treatment. We found that restoration of the articular surface, radial inclination, and ulnar variance affected the outcomes, but the articular step-off did not. Twenty-five per cent of the patients with conservative treatment had secondary loss of reduction. We conclude that surgical plating leads to better outcomes than conservative treatment for elderly patients with intra-articular distal radius fractures. Level of evidence: I

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