Treatment outcome in intra-articular distal end radius fracture by volar plate versus external fixator augmented with k wire

Abstract

Introduction: Distal radius fractures happen more often than any other type of fracture and are still one of the most common bone injuries that orthopaedic or trauma surgeons fix. They are the most common type of injury in the upper limb. Percutaneous pin fixation, external fixation devices that allow distraction and palmar translation, low-profile internal fixation plates and implants, arthroscopically assisted reduction, grafting techniques, and bone-graft substitutes have all helped improve fracture stability and outcome.Aims and objectives: The present study was conducted to compared treatment outcome in intra-articular distal end radius fracture by volar plate versus external fixator augmented with k wireMaterial and method: This is a prospective study consisting of 40 patients, who were treated with volar plate and external fixator augmented with k wire for intra-articular comminuted distal radius fractures (AO type C) during one year study period. The 20 patients were treated with open reduction using the volar approach and locking plate were used while 20 patients were treated with external fixator augmented with k wire.Results: The volar plate showed better functional outcomes in Green and O'Brien compared to external fixator augmented with k wire group. The radiographic results in the volar plate group were more favorable than in the external fixator augmented with k wire group. Conclusions: We found that both volar plate with plating and external fixator augmented with k wire represent treatment choices for distal radius fractures. Volar plate had better functional and radiological outcomes according to Green and O'Brien and Sarmiento scoring systems when compared to external fixator augmented with k wire. Volar plate had less incidence of complications compared with external fixator augmented with k wire.