Surgical treatment of distal end of radius fracture with volar locking plate: Clinicoradiological outcome of 25 cases

Introduction: Distal radius reconstruction every time needs aggressive operative intervention is still a debate among researchers and upper extremity surgeons. There is a role of nonoperative treatment in geriatric population and unfit patients. Novel techniques and revolution of implants advocated the best clinical outcome. Materials and Methods: We conducted a prospective study of 25 patients having AO OTA type A, B & C distal radius fractures treated with volar locking plate at our institute between 2015 to 2017. We include all close injuries in skeletally mature patients between ages 20-60 years. Outcome of the study was evaluated by using the Gartland and Werley score modified by Sarmiento & Patient Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) score. Results: 6 patients had AO OTA type A, 11 patients had type B and 8 patients had type C fractures. Mean palmar flexion was 77 degrees. Dorsi flexion was 82 degrees observed. Average supination and pronation were 85 & 80 degrees respectively. Radial & ulnar deviations average 11 and 25 degrees were observed. 80% of the patients had loss of radial inclination less than 9 degrees. All the patients had less than 6 mm radial shortening. Loss of palmar tilt less than 6 degrees was observed. More than 90% of the patients had excellent to good outcome based on Gartland and Werley score. Conclusions: Volar plating is a proven method of choice in majority of distal end radius fractures regardless of comminution and fragments separation