Abstract
Fractures of the distal radius are commonly treated with cast immobilisation; however,
those potentially unstable injuries with dorsal comminution may need operative intervention.
This intervention is usually with manipulation and Kirschner wires but advances in
locking-plate technology have enabled surgeons to achieve anatomical reconstruction
of complex fracture patterns, even in poor-quality osteoporotic bone.
To ascertain if fixed-angle volar-locked plates confer a significant benefit over
manipulation and Kirschner-wire stabilisation, we prospectively randomised 56 adult
patients with isolated, closed, unilateral, unstable extra-articular fractures into
two treatment groups, one fixed with K-wires and the other fixed with a volar locking
plate.
Functional outcomes were assessed using Gartland and Werley and Disabilities of the
Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores. These were statistically better in the plate
group at 3 and 6 months. Radiological assessment showed statistically better results
at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months, post-operatively. In the plate group, there was
no significant loss of fracture reduction.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
July 6,
2010
Identification
Copyright
© 2010 Elsevier Ltd. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
