Functional Outcome of Intra-articular Distal Radius Fractures Treated with Volar Variable Angled Locking Compression Plate at a Tertiary Care Center

Abstract

Abstract Context: Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are the most prevalent fractures involving the upper extremity, accounting for nearly 18% of all fractures treated by orthopedic surgeons. Although numerous treatments have been established for the management of DRF, the “gold standard” treatment for intra-articular DRF is still debated. Aims: This study aimed to assess the functional and radiological outcome of intra-articular DRF treated with volar variable angled locking compression plate (LCP) at a tertiary care center with a follow-up of 2 years. Settings and Design: This was a retrospective observational study. Subjects and Methods: Thirty patients with intra-articular DRF who underwent volar variable angled LCP stabilization were included in the study and followed up for 2 years after surgery. Three-column classification was used to classify the included individuals. Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH), the Modified Mayo Wrist Score (MMWS), and the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) were utilized to assess the functional outcome. The follow-up radiographs were analyzed using the Batra anatomical score. Statistical Analysis Used: IBM SPSS (Version 20.0, Armonk, NY: IBM Corp, USA) was used for statistical analysis. Results: Thirty patients with a mean age of 44 years (34–59 years) were included in the study. Eighteen individuals had all three columns affected and 12 had two-columnar intra-articular DRF. At 2-year follow-up, the median QuickDASH Score was 2.3, MMWS was 85, VAS was 1, and the median Batra score was 90. Handgrip of the operated limb was comparable to the uninjured limb. Conclusions: Volar variable angled LCPs restore the articular architecture allowing for an excellent range of motion, good grip strength, and early functional mobility with minimal complications. Hence, LCPs appear to be superior to existing treatment techniques for DRF.