Functional outcome of volar locked plate fixation in AO Type B and C fractures of distal end radius

Abstract

Distal radius fractures are one of the most common orthopaedic injuries encountered in clinical practice. Owing to the increase in the number of road traffic accidents, these injuries are being seen with increasing frequency in younger people. Several treatment modalities have been described which includes closed reduction and application of plaster cast, bridging external fixation and open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) by dorsal or volar conventional or locked plates. The aim of the present study was to assess the functional outcome of AO type B (partial articular) and type C (complete articular) fractures of distal radius among the patients undergoing ORIF by volar locked plate. A prospective study was conducted where patients of age more than 18 years of either sex having intraarticular fractures of the distal radius were enrolled in the study. Standard Henry’s volar approach was used and a standard 3.5 mm volar locking plate was applied over the volar aspect of radius. 53 patients were included in the study. The mean age of patients was 48.74 years. At the end of one year follow up, 12 patients (22.6%) had no pain, 33 had mild, occasional pain, 8 patients (15%) had moderate but tolerable pain. As far as functional status is concerned, most (91%) returned to their previous routine activities. Locked volar fixed angle plate fixation is a relatively safe and effective option for the management of partial articular (AO Type B) and completely articular fractures (AO Type C)