Clinical and Radiographic Outcomes Following Volar-Locked Plating Versus Dorsal Bridge Plating for Distal Radius Factures

Abstract

PurposeDistal radius fractures indicated for operative intervention are most commonly treated with volar locked plating (VLP), however dorsal bridge plating (DBP) has been utilized as an alternative fixation method. The purpose of this study was to utilize a propensity score to match and compare the radiographic and clinical outcomes of patients undergoing isolated VLP or DBP for distal radius fractures. MethodsWe performed a retrospective, propensity score-matched analysis of patients undergoing isolated VLP or DBP treatment for isolated distal radius fractures from 2015 to 2022 at a single level-1 trauma center. Patients were propensity score matched by a total of 8 demographic and comorbidity factors, AO Foundation/Orthopaedic Trauma Association (AO/OTA) classification, and preoperative Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) scores. Our primary outcomes included postoperative complications, wrist and forearm range of motion, grip strength, and radiographic measurements, including radial height, radial inclination, volar tilt, and articular step-off. ResultsOverall, 415 DBP and 2075 VLP were successfully propensity score matched and included in this study. Grip strength and range of motion measurements at 6-month follow-up, including wrist flexion, wrist extension, forearm pronation, forearm supination, radial deviation, and ulnar deviation, were increased in the VLP compared to DBP (p<0.05). Complication rates among both groups were relatively low, however, the rate of malunion and nonunion was significantly higher among the DBP group (p<0.05). Radial height, radial inclination, and articular step-off were improved in the VLP group compared to the DBP group (p<0.05), however, volar tilt was similar between groups. PROMIS Upper Extremity (UE) and Physical Function (PF) were significantly higher among the VLP group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in PROMIS PI between groups. ConclusionsWhen compared to DBP, patients undergoing VLP are more likely to have improved clinical and radiographic outcomes. While improvement in wrist and forearm range of motion and radiographic parameters is statistically significant, it may not be clinically relevant.