A study of functional outcome of distal end radius fractures treated by volar plating

Abstract

. To study the results of operative management of distal radius fractures in terms of functional and radiological outcome, with open reduction and internal fixation with Volar compression plates. . To study the effectiveness and complications of distal radius fractures treated with Volar compression plates . To obtain a percentage of Functional recovery in patient of Distal Radius treated with Open Reduction and Internal Fixation with Volar compression plates. . The study comprised of 30 cases of distal radius fractures in adults. . All patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with a volar compression plate. The follow-up ranged from 4-6 months. The average age was 46.7 years with the fracture being more common in the 3rd to 7th decades. . Males were predominant with right wrist affection more than left. All fractures were either due to road traffic accidents or fall on the outstretched hand. . 46.66% of the cases were unskilled labourers. . Most of the fractures were of AO type A2, A3, B2, B3, C1, C2. . The average surgical lag time was 2.43 days. Surgery was delayed till the fifth day in cases, as the patients were not fit for surgery. . Most of the patients had their range of motion within the normal functional range. One patient had wrist stiffness. All of them were able to go back to work. . The mean fracture union time in our study was 6.5 weeks. . Complications were minimal. There was 1(3.33%) case of wrist stiffness due to faulty implantation like intraarticular screw placement. . There was 1(3.33%) case of non union. . Using the scoring system by Green and O’Brien Score (Cooney modification), we had 06(20%) excellent results, 14(46.66%) good results, 08(23.33%) fair results & 4(13.33%) poor results.