Functional Outcome of Fracturedistal End Radius Treated with Volar Locking Plates: A Prospective Study

Background Diverse options are available for treatment of closed distal radius fractures. However most of these treatment modalities are unable to provide early functional rehabilitation. Locking compression plates provides angular and axial stability and facilitates early functional rehabilitation. Advantages of volar approach to distal radius including avoidance of devascularization of distal fragments and damage to extensor tendons associated with dorsal approach. Methods From March 2016 to May 2017, twenty patients with distal radius fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using volar locking compression plates at our institute. All patients had radiographic and clinical follow-up performed at one, three, six months and one year. Results At final evaluation all patients showed good range of motion of wrist-average dorsiflexion 62.70, palmar flexion 54.80, radial inclination 150, ulnar inclination 25.50, pronation 690, supination 68.30. Radiologically, average volar tilt in our study was 60, average radial inclination was 21.20, average radial length 3.6mm and articular congruity 0.5 mm. Conclusions It is a safe and effective method with minimum tissue damage, good primary stability of fracture and facilitates early active motion from first post-operative day without compromising fracture reduction.