Volar Locking Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures: A Surgical Technique

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Distal radius fractures are one of the most common upper extremity fractures in orthopaedics. Unstable distal radius fractures are often managed with volar locking plates (VLP). However, fragment-specific fixation may be more appropriate for fractures of the dorsal rim, dorsal ulnar corner, isolated radial styloid, and small volar ulnar corner fragments. While the volar approach is most common, the surgeon should also be familiar with dorsal, radial, and extensile volar approaches. This article discusses a contemporary surgical technique for open reduction and internal fixation of distal radius fractures using VLP via the flexor carpi radialis approach.