Unstable distal radius fractures in the elderly patients: does volar locking plating system prevent secondary displacement?

Abstract

BackgroundOsteoporosis characterizes the distal radial fracture in elderly patients. Primarily weakening metaphyseal bone, osteoporosis renders simple fractures unstable that necessitate proper internal fixation.AimThe aim of this study was to assess whether a secondary displacement could occur, despite using volar locking plating system in the elderly patients.Patients and methodsOpen reduction and internal fixation by volar locked plate was performed for 12 elderly patients with mean age of 67.2 years (range, 60-74 years), and these patients were followed for a mean period of 12 months (range, 6-20 months); standard radiographic and clinical fracture parameters were measured and final functional results were assessed.ResultsThe functional outcome was excellent in seven cases (58.3%), good in three cases (25%), fair in two cases (16.7%), and there were no poor cases. Secondary displacement was detected in the final follow-up radiograph in only three cases, with respect to radial length (2-3 mm), radial inclination (2-5°), and volar tilt (4-12°).ConclusionAlthough secondary displacement may occur to some extent in elderly patients with distal radial fractures fixed by volar locked plate, it does not affect the end follow-up functional results.