Locking compression plate for treatment in the osteoporotic of unstable distal radius fractures

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the effect of locking compression plate for treatment in the osteoporotic of unstable distal radius fractures. Methods 48 cases of osteoporotic of unstable distal radius fractures were treated with open reduction and LCP fixation through volar approach. They were 8 men and 40 women aged from 58 to 77 years(range,63.7 years).They were all diagnosed by dual energy X ray absorptiometry before operation. According to AO/OTA criterion, there were 12 patients with type B2 fractures, 10 cases with type B3,8 cases with type C1,13 cases with type C2,5 cases with type C3.All patients were performed locking plate fixations through volar approach and no bone graf.All patients were assessed from time of fracture healing, palmar tilt, radiographic measurements of ulnar inclination, radial height, and range of motion after 18 months, to evaluate the effect of clinical results and postoperative functional recovery. Results The patients were followed up for average 17.8 months(range,12-24 months). All fratures united within 6 months(3 to 7 months), no infection in all patients, reduction loss in 2 cases after operation, traumatic arthritis in three. According to the Cooney criterion, the result was excellent in 35 pateints, good in 9 cases, fair in 3 cases and poor in 1 case, and the excellence rate was 92%. Conclusion The valor approach with locking compression plate can provide firm fixation and allow early functional exercise and so is suitable for unstable distal radius fracture especially in the osteoporotic of unstable distal radius fractures. Key words: Radius fracture; Osteoporosis; Bone plates; Valor approach