Surgical treatment of fractures of the distal radius - ORIF vs external fixation with ligamentotaxis.

Abstract

The study compares the results of open reduction using volar locking plates with ligamentotaxis by external fixation in fractures of distal radius type 2R3C according to AO classification. Aretrospective study evaluating the results of osteosynthesis in patients with distal radius fractures type 2R3C according to AO classification, operated until December 2018. The ORIF method with volar locking plates (LCP) was used in 54 patients, and closed reduction with ligamentotaxis using external fixation (EF) was used in 33 patients. The mean age of the patients was 46.7 years in the LCP group and 59.6 years in the EF group. All were evaluated for their X-ray and functional outcomes and according to the Green and OBrien score at 6 and 12 months after surgery. Results: According to X-rays at 12 months in the LCP group, the mean sagittal tilt was 10.13°, the mean radial inclination was 23.89°, and the mean radial length was 11.84 mm. In the EF group, the mean sagittal tilt was 6.32°, the mean radial inclination was 24.78°, and the mean radial length was 9.89 mm. According to the Green and OBrien score, we recorded amean score of 84.44 points in the LCP group at 12 month; we achieved good and excellent results in 83.33% of the patients and no poor result was observed. In the EF group the final mean score was 77.27; good and excellent results were achieved in 45.46% of the patients and apoor result in one patient. Based on the results in our group of patients, the internal type osteosynthesis using LCP implants can be recommended as afirst-choice technique in the treatment of 2R3C fractures according to AO classification.