Results of distal end radius volar plating

Abstract

Background: Fractures of distal end of radius are one of the most common skeletal injuries treated by orthopaedic surgeons. Road traffic accidents are a major cause of fracture in young adults. In elderly fall on outstretched hand becomes a major cause. Road traffic accidents are a major cause of fracture in young adults. In elderly fall on outstretched hand becomes a major cause. For quite a long time, principle treatment of Colles’ fracture was forceful traction, manipulation and immobilization of wrist in flexion and ulnar deviation. The extremes of this position (cotton lodor) led to very high incidence of median nerve neuropraxia. The exact position of immobilization and plaster cast extent varied, nevertheless treatment essentially remained same. This study evaluates the results of distal radius fractures (volar barton) treated by open reduction and volar plating. Materials and Methods: A retrospective study of 40 patients of DISTAL END RADIUS FRACTURES operated with open reduction and internal fixation with volar plate with follow up of at least 6 months. The patients were operated with volar approach and fixation was carried out by AO principles. The patients were mobilized post operatively by active and assisted physiotherapy. Results: The mean age of the patients was 39.27 years with M:F ratio of 7:1. Right side was more involved than the left side and most common cause of injury was fall on an outstretched hand. Most fractures were of Frykman type 7. Post operative assessment was carried out in terms of range of movement, radiological parameters and functional outcomes were assessed in terms of Gartland and Werley scores and PRWE scores. Discussion and Conclusion: This is a study of 40 patients of distal end of radius fracture treated by volar plating. This study is essentially preliminary assessment. The technique emphasizes that open reduction and internal fixation with volar plating has excellent functional outcome with minimal complications. Hence volar approach and locking plate should be the preferred implant for treatment of intra articular (volar barton), unstable, comminuted fractures of distal end radius.