FUNCTIONAL EVALUATION OF VOLAR BARTON FRACTURES MANAGED WITH ANATOMICAL PLATING AT A TERTIARY CARE CENTER IN NEPAL: A RETROSPECTIVE REVIEW OF RECORDS.

Abstract

Introduction Distal end radius fractures have been extensively studied in literature and yet many aspects of management remain controversial. Volar Barton fractures have been treated surgically with volar locking plates. Very few dedicated studies have been conducted in Nepal. The aim of this study was to describe the functional outcomes of Volar Barton fractures managed with open reduction and internal xation (ORIF) and Volar plating at a high volume tertiary care centre in Nepal. This retrospective Methodology review of patients was conducted after approval of the institutional ethics committee. A review of records of patients operate in the last 24 months was be performed. Patients aged 18 to 65 years who had been operated for Volar Barton fractures (AO type B3) within 3 weeks of injury with ORIF and Volar plating with a minimum of 12 months follow up were included in the study. Data regarding demographics, side of injury, functional outcomes using the Patient rated wrist evaluation (PRWE), Modied Mayo Wrist score and Radiological parameters. Statistical analysis of the data was done. Proportion, percentage, mean, standard deviation was calculated. A total of 180 records of patients who underwent ORIF Results and plating between 1st April 2021 to 31st March 2021 were identied. Of these 50 patients met the inclusion criteria and were included in the analysis. The mean age of the patients was 36.4 ± 1.4 years (18- 62 years). All fractures united with a mean union time of 5.7 ± 3.2 weeks. On radiographic assessment at 12 months the Volar tilt was 5.23 ± 2.41®, mean radial height was 9.23 ± 2.2®. Radial inclination was 22.9 ± 5.0®. The mean articular step was 0.3 ± 0.5 mm. Functional outcomes using the PRWE at 12 months was 3.5 ± 1.3. The Modied Mayo score was 82.12 ± 7.3. Conclusion Volar plating provides good functional and radiological outcomes in our study population. It has good union rates and a relatively low complication rate.