Functional and radiological outcome of intra articular distal radius fractures treated with variable-angle locking plate
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4510.IntJResOrthop20261213Keywords:
Modified mayo wrist score, Quick DASH, Radiological outcome, Functional outcome, Distal radius fractures, Variable-angle locking plateAbstract
Background: Intra-articular distal radius fractures are common injuries that require precise anatomical reduction to achieve optimal functional recovery. Variable-angle locking plates (VA-LCP) have been increasingly used due to their ability to stabilize periarticular fragments through polyaxial screw placement, potentially enhancing both radiological and clinical outcomes.
Methods: A prospective observational study was conducted among 85 patients with intra-articular distal radius fractures who underwent open reduction and internal fixation with VA-LCP at a tertiary care centre. Clinical and radiological assessments were performed at discharge, 4 weeks, and 6 months. Data were analysed using SPSS, with quantitative variables expressed as mean±SD and repeated-measures ANOVA applied for change over time.
Results: The mean age was 35.8 years, with males forming 72.9% of the cohort. Significant improvement was observed across all wrist movements (p<0.001), with ≥90% of normal range regained by 6 months. Mean Quick DASH score improved to 5.73, and MMWS increased to 92.59, with 76.5% achieving excellent functional outcomes. Radiological parameters were well maintained, and only 8.2% experienced minor complications.
Conclusions: VA-LCP provides stable fixation and results in excellent functional and radiological recovery for intra-articular distal radius fractures, with minimal complications.
References
Talmac M, Gorgel M, Kanar M, Tok O, Ozdemir M. Comparison of three surgical methods in the treatment of intraarticular comminuted distal radius fractures: Volar locking plate, non-bridging external fixator, and bridging external fixator. Eklem Hastalik Cerrahisi. 2019;30(3):224-32.
Zhang X, Zhang Y, Fan J, Yuan F, Tang Q, Xian C. Analyses of fracture line distribution in intra-articular distal radius fractures. Radiol Med. 2019;124:613-9.
Frykman GK. Fracture of the distal radius including sequelae shoulder hand finger syndrome. Disturbance in the distal radioulnar joint and impairment of nerve function. A clinical and experimental study. Acta Orthop Scand Suppl. 1967;108:1-155.
Melone CP. Articular fractures of the distal radius. Orthop Clin North Am. 1984;15(2):217-36.
Nana AD, Joshi A, Lichtman DM. Plating of the distal radius. J Am Acad Orthop Surg. 2005;13(3):159-71.
Trumble TE, Schmitt SR, Vedder NB. Factors affecting functional outcome of displaced intra-articular distal radius fractures. J Hand Surg Am. 1994;19(2):325-40.
Kapandji A. Internal fixation by double intrafocal plate. Functional treatment of non-articular fractures of the lower end of the radius. Ann Chir. 1976;30(12):903-8.
Fitoussi F, Ip WY, Chow SP. Treatment of displaced intra-articular fractures of the distal radius with plates. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 1997;79(9):1303-12.
Khatri K, Sharma V, Farooque K, Tiwari V. Surgical Treatment of Unstable Distal Radius Fractures With a Volar Variable-Angle Locking Plate. Arch Trauma Res. 2016;5(2):e25174.
Spiteri M, Ng W, Matthews J, Power D. Volar locking plates in distal radius fractures: a prospective study. J Orthop Surg Res. 2019;14(1):1-7.
Trumble TE, Schmitt SR, Vedder NB. Factors affecting functional outcome of displaced intra-articular distal radius fractures. J Hand Surg Am. 1994;19(2):325-40.
Mengcun Chen et al. Outcomes following ORIF with variable-angle locking plates for distal radius fractures. Journal of Orthopaedic Trauma. (Year not specified in thesis).
Orbay JL. Volar plate fixation of distal radius fractures. Hand Clin. 2005;21(3):347-54.
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
