A prospective comparative study of functional outcome of unstable fracture of distal end of radius by volar plate fixation vs ligamentotaxis external fixation

Abstract

Aims and Objectives: To assess the relative efficacy of external fixation versus plate fixation with regard to subjective, functional, and radiographic outcomes. To know the advantage, disadvantage and complication of the both surgical methods mentioned in the study. Methodology: A prospective comparative study of 30 patients with an average follow up of 10 months postoperatively done between October 2020 to September 2021 of closed unstable distal radius fracture. Results: Majority of the cases were type III frykman (n=8, 26%), intra-articular (n=19, 63.3%) fractures of distal end of non-dominant (n=16, 53%) radius seen in the males (n=23, 76%) of younger age group (average 41 yr) with road traffic accidents (n=20, 66%) being the most common. Complications were seen in 26.6% cases of external fixation & 20% cases of volar plating. External fixator group excellent to good result seen in 80% patients (n=12) and fair to poor in 20% patients. The volar plate group has an excellent result seen in 86.66% of patients (n=13) and fair to poor in 13.33% of patients. Conclusion: Volar plating group has advantage of better anatomical reduction, better radiological parameters, early joint motion & disadvantage of more intraoperative time, extra hospital stay, more expendature, surgical scar, re-surgery for implant removal with equal range of movements, complication rates and Gartland & werley score compare to external fixation.