Functional and radiological outcomes of volar locking compression plate in surgical management of fractures of distal end radius

Abstract

Background: Management of fractures of distal end radius has remained a controversial issue. They are treated via a variety of methods, but the best of treatment has not been defined yet. This study was performed to evaluate functional and radiological outcomes of volar locking plate in surgical management of such fractures. Material and Methods: In this prospective study 30 patients aged above 18 years of fracture distal end radius were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with volar locking plates, followed by early mobilization. Patients were followed up regularly and functional assessment were done at 3 weeks, 3 months and 6 months using modified Mayo wrist score. Results: Radiologically all patients had union at 3 months. 66.67% patients had excellent, 23.33% good and 10% showed satisfactory results on modified Mayo wrist score. No major complications were observed in the present study. One patient developed superficial infection which was resolved with serial dressing and broad spectrum antibiotics. Two patients developed hypertrophic scars. Two other patients developed asymptomatic hardware prominence (plate on radial border). Conclusion: Locking compression plate provides stable fixation for early mobilization of patient, leading to early resumption to pre trauma functional level of an individual with minimal complications.