The relationship between surgical treatment results of AO type-C radius distal end fractures in adults and patient age

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the results of the locking anatomic plate fixation method with volar intervention according to age groups in the surgical treatment of unstable radius distal end fractures involving the joint. Materials and Methods: In this study, 72 adult patients with distal radius fractures who were treated with open reduction and locked volar plate fixation due to radius distal end fracture in group C according to AO classification between August 2010 and August 2018 were evaluated retrospectively. All our patients were evaluated for a post-op range of motion. We divided the age ranges into four groups: Group 1 for ages 17-30, Group 2 for ages 30-45, Group 3 for ages 45-60, and Group 4 for ages over 60. Results: The mean values of joint range of motion and grip strength in all our patients were; flexion 70.95° (Group 1 76.87°, Group 2 74.00°, Group 3 66.96°, and Group 4 64.16°), extension 67.38° (Group 1 71.87°, Group 2 68.33°, Group 3 61.15° and, Group 4 61.16°), radial deviation 27.02° (Group 1 32.50°, Group 2 29.67°, Group 3 23,08° and, Group 4 21.67°), ulnar deviation 32.86° (Group 1 38.75°, Group 2 36.33°, Group 3 28.46°, and Group 4 25.83°), supination 77.74° (Group 1 85.0°, Group 2 79.67°, Group 3 74.62°, and Group 70.0°), pronation 82.50° (Group 1 85.62°, Group 2 84.33°, Group 3 82.69°, and Group 4 73.33°). Analysis of the data revealed a negative correlation between patient age and post-operative joint range of motion. Our findings indicate a statistically significant difference in joint range of motion among Group 4, Group 1, and Group 2 patients. Conclusion: Volar locking plate surgery in AO type C radius distal fractures is suitable for all age groups thanks to rigid fixation and early mobilization.