Assessment of Functional Outcome in Distal End Radius Fractures Managed with Locking Plates

Abstract

Aim: Present study was conducted to determine the functional outcome of operative treatment of distal radial fractures with volar locking plate system in a tertiary teaching hospital. Twenty five patients were included into the study between July 2015 to January 2016. Methodology: There were 14 males and 11 females, with a mean age of 49. A total of 18 patients had fractures in dominant upper limb. 24% (6) of the fractures were type A, 12% (3) were type B, and 64%(16) were type C. They were regularly followed up. Assessment of pain, range of motion and standard radiographs were performed. The Gartland and Werley functional scores were recorded. Result: The radiographic results at the final follow-up showed a mean of 17° of radial inclination, 2.5-mm radial shortening, and mean volar tilt of 3.4° and none of them had an articular step > 2mm. An excellent or good result was obtained in 23 (92 %) patients according to the Gartland and Werley score. Overall internal fixation of distal radial fractures with a locking plate system provided a stable fixation with good clinical outcomes for patients with unstable distal end radius fractures.