Comparison of a standard locking screw versus a double-threaded cortical compression screw for fixation of die-punch fragments in distal radius fractures with volar plating

Abstract

The aim of this study was to use a compression screw in the epiphyseal medial orifice of a volar plate to reduce and stabilize the die-punch fragment in distal radius fractures (DRF) undergoing open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). The main hypothesis was that the range of motion (ROM) in supination would be poorer when a standard screw was used. Our case series included 19 patients with an average age of 59 years (24–91) (SD −35.32) (10 male patients and 9 females) who underwent ORIF of DRFs with a volar plate. Group I included 10 patients in which the die-punch fragment was fixed with a standard locking screw and group II included the 9 patients in which the die-punch fragment was fixed with an angle stable compression screw through both cortices. At the 6-month follow-up visit, the average ROM in flexion was 83% in group I and 81% in group II (−2.327 [−13.657; 8.960]), the ROM in extension was 91% and 89% (−2.754 [−13.410; 7.602]), the ROM in pronation was 100% and 102% (+3.178 [−5.242; 11.457]), the ROM in supination 100% and 97% (−3.171 [−10.825; 4.537]), the pain level was 0.6/10 and 1/10 (+0.106 [−0.809; 0.977]), the QuickDASH score was 8.1/100 and 17.17/100 (+5.790 [−2.934; 15.012]), the PRWE was 6.2/100 and 22/100 (+13.109 [4.416; 22.779]) and the grip strength was 95% and 74% of the contralateral side (−12.478 [−24.832; 0.538]). No complications, nonunions or revision surgery were reported in the two groups. One case of secondary displacement of the die-punch fragment occurred in each group. The main hypothesis was not proven. In conclusion, despite what several biomechanical studies have suggested, the use of double-threaded compression screws for die-punch fragment fixation in DRFs does not improve the clinical outcomes compared to standard locking screws.