Volar locking plate fixation of unstable distal radius fractures
Abstract
Methods: The study included 27 patients (15 males, 12 females; mean age 45 years; range 18 to 77 years) who were treated with volar locking plate fixation for unstable distal radius fractures. Twenty-two patients (81.5%) had AO type C and five (18.5%) had type B fractures. Two patients (7.4%) had type I open fractures. Dorsal and volar angulation were present in 21 (77.8%) and six (22.2%) fractures, respectively. Four patients (14.8%) also had elbow dislocation and/or fracture and nine patients (33.3%) had disruption of the distal radioulnar joint. Autologous iliac crest graft was used in 10 patients (37%). Postoperative assessments included range of movement and grip strength measurements, and radiographic parameters using the Stewart criteria. Functional results were assessed using the Q-DASH (Quick-Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) questionnaire and the Gartland-Werley scale. The mean follow-up was 18 months (range 12 to 34 months).
Results: All fractures united without a problem within a mean of 6.5 weeks (range 6 to 8 weeks). The following parameters became equal to the unaffected side: ulnar variance (n=21, 77.8%), radial inclination angle (n=13, 48.2%), radial tilt angle (n=8, 29.6%), and radial height (n=11, 40.7%). The mean radiographic Stewart score was 0.5 (range 0 to 3). The mean grip strength of the operated side was 72.4% (18 kg) of the normal side. The mean Q-DASH and Gartland-Werley scores were 8.3 (range 0 to 70.5) and 4.7 (range 0 to 16), respectively. According to the Gartland-Werley scale, the results were excellent in 12 patients (44.4%), good in 12 patients, and moderate in three patients (11.1%). Three complications (11.1%) occurred, including loss of alignment in two patients, and screw-related discomfort in one patient.
Conclusion: Volar locking plate fixation is an effective treatment in the anatomical and functional restoration of unstable distal radius fractures.
Keywords
Details
Primary Language
English
Subjects
Health Care Administration
Journal Section
Research Article
Authors
Ayhan Kilic
This is me
Yavuz Kabukcuoglu
This is me
Ufuk Ozkaya
This is me
Murat Gul
This is me
Sami Sokucu
This is me
Umit Ozdogan
This is me
Publication Date
September 22, 2009
Submission Date
March 7, 2014
Acceptance Date
-
Published in Issue
Year 2009 Volume: 43 Number: 4