Treatment of Barton's fracture with LCP internal fixation combined with bone graft

Abstract

Objective To evaluate the clinical outcome of treating Barton' s fractures using locking compression plate (LCP) combined with bone graft. Methods Thirty cases of Barton's fracture treated from June 2002 to January 2008 were involved in the study. They were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with LCP combined with bone graft. Early rehabilitation was carried out postoperatively. There were 18 males and 12 females. The mean age of them was 39 years. Results All of the 30 patients were followed up for 3 to 24 months and the average time was 12 months. Bone union was seen in all cases and the average clinical healing time was 8 weeks. The volar tilting angle was 6° to 16°(average 10.4°), and the ulnar inclining angle was 17° to 25°( average 20.1°). There was no shortening of the radius. Clinical outcome was evaluated by X-rays and wrist function assessment. The result of 20 cases was graded as excellent, 8 cases as good, and 2 cases as poor. The overall satisfaction rate was 93.3%. Conclusion Surgical treatment using LCP internal fixation combined with bone graft for Barton's fractures can maintain the length of the radius and ulna, restore volar tilting angle and ulnar inclining angle, and achieve good reduction of the articular surface. Early rehabilitation is equally important for the best recovery of wrist function. Key words: Radius fractures; Fracture fixation, internal; LCP; Bone graft