Comparison of locking compression plate and external fixator in the treatment of severely comminuted distal radius fracture

Abstract

Objective To compare the treatment outcomes between locking compression plate and external fixator for treating severely comminuted distal radius fracture. Methods Forty patients of severely comminuted distal radius fractures were treated with either locking compression plate fixation via a volar approach or external fixator. Twenty-one patients were treated with locking compression plate fixation, while the other 19 patients were treated with external fixator. According to AO/ASIF classification, there were 10 type C1 fractures,15 type C2 fractures and 15 type C3 fractures.Wrist range of motion, forearm range of motion, grip and pinch strength, radiographic data (palmar tilt, radial inclination, radial height), scores by the Disabilities of the Arm,Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and by Gartland-Werley were collected at follow-up. The data were statistically analyzed to compare the clinical effects. Results Postoperative follow-up ranged from 6 to 48 months with an average of 18.8 months. According to Gartland-Werley wrist score, the excellent and good rate was 81.0% in the locking compression plate group, and 78.9% in the external fixator group. No significantly difference was detected in the ROM of flexion, extension, radial deviation, pronation, supination, grip and pinch strength, the parameter of palmar inclination, ulnar inclination and radial height and in Gartland-Werley score and DASH score between the two groups (P＞0.05). The ROM of unlar deviation in the locking compression plate group was significantly smaller than that in the external fixation group ( P＜0.05). No complication occurred in the locking compression plate group. One patient developed sympathetic reflex dystrophy postoperatively in the external fixation group. After medication and physical therapy the symptoms had resolved. Infection of the external fixator pin tract was note in another patient which was effectively treated by wound care. Conclusion Locking compression plate and external fixator lead to siunilar treatment outcomes for severely cormminuted distal radius fractures. Patient's functional requirement, age and financial status should be taken into consideration while choosing one of these procedures. Key words: Radius fractures; Fracture fixation,internal; External fixator