Study the functional outcome of Barton’s fracture treated with open reduction and internal fixation by volar plating: A prospective study

Abstract

Aims: To study the functional outcome and duration of union of surgical management of Barton’s fracture of distal radius with volar locking compression plate fixation.Settings and Design: Prospective studyMethods and Material: 56 cases presenting with Barton’s fracture which satisfies inclusion and exclusion criteria admitted in Shri B.M. Patil college, hospital and research centre vijayapura from 2017-2020 who are treated with volar locking plate.Results: In our study 56 cases, there were 29 males, 27 females with mean age of 39.52 years. 85.7% were admitted due to fall on outstretched hand, left side was more common according to 57.1% cases, associated ulnar fractures were found in 76.8% cases. 89.3% cases didn’t have any co-morbidity. 89.3% of the patient had no complication following surgery. Most common complication was wrist stiffness in 7.1% cases followed by surgical site infection 1.8% and complex regional pain syndrome in 1.8% cases according to Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score.Conclusions: Initial reduction and stable fixation is the key in prevention of late collapse of distal radius fractures. Stabilizing the fracture fragments with volar locking compression plate and screws in the management of fractures of distal radius is an effective method to maintain reduction and prevent collapse of the fracture fragments. The technique emphasizes that open reduction and internal fixation with volar plating has excellent functional and satisfactory radiological outcome with minimal complications. Hence volar approach and locking compression plate should be the preferred implant for treatment of intra- articular unstable, comminuted fractures of distal end radius.