Functional outcome of distal end radius fractures managed using locking compression plates

Abstract

In our study, 30 patients with unstable, displaced, comminuted, intra-articular fracture of distal radius were treated and followed up with open reduction and internal fixation using 2.4 mm anatomical locking plates in a tertiary care hospital from May 2012 to October 2014. Patient were evaluated with mayo score at 3 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. At 1 year the mayo score suggest, 93.3% patients were pain free with only 6.33% patients having mild occasional pain and average mayo score for pain was 24.67, 53.33% patients have equal hand grip as compare to opposite side and average mayo score for hand grip was 20.83, 40% of patients has equal range of movements as compare to opposite side with remaining were between 75-99% of opposite side and average mayo score for range of movement was 22, 93.33% patients had returned to their pre-injury employment and average mayo score for their functional status was 24.67. We concluded that volar fixed angle plating is a effective means of treatment for comminuted, displaced, intra-articular distal radius fracture.