A prospective study of surgical management of distal radius fracture in adult with plate fixation

Abstract

Distal end radius fracture is one of the most common injuries and management of these fractures is still a challenge for orthopaedic surgeon in achieving good functional results. The present study was undertaken to assess the functional outcome of distal radial fractures in adults treated by plate fixation. All the patients were operated with open reduction and internal fixation with volar plate and screws with or without K-wire fixation. The functional outcome was assessed by demerit-point system of Gartland and Werley score. 8 (40%) patients had excellent results, 11 (55%) had good results, 1 (5%) patient had fair results and no patient had poor results. Distal end radius fractures treated by fixation with volar plate and screws or K-wire gives good result in terms of union, functional recovery and prevent stiffness. Open reduction and internal fixation provides best chance for restoring joint congruity and therefore patients treated by this method have a lesser chance of developing secondary osteoarthritis with minimal complications and is a better option for surgical management of these fractures.