A prospective study to assess the functional outcome of AO Type 23.B3 distal radius fractures treated with volar locking plate osteosynthesis

Abstract

Purpose: To study and evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome of open reduction and volar locking plate fixation in AO Type 23B3 fracture of the distal end of radius. Method: 20 patients operated for AO Type 23B3 fracture of the distal end of radius were prospectively studied and the functional outcome were assessed using the Gartland-Werley functional scoring system. Result: The overall anatomical result using the criteria of sarmiento’s modification of lidstrom’s classification was fourteen patients (70%) with excellent results, four patients (20%) with good result and two patients with fair results (10%). Based on the functional criteria as described by Gartland and Werley the overall functional results were excellent in twelve patients (60%), good in 6 patient (30%) and fair in two patients (10%). In the present series grip strength was good in eighteen patients (90%) fair in two patients (10%). There were two patients (10%) with complications and eighteen patients (90%) who had no complications. Conclusion: AO Type 23B3 fracture of the distal end of radius has excellent outcome with volar locking plate fixation, which allows for a anatomical reduction and early mobilization. This improves the wrist function and final outcome significantly.