Analysis of Soft-tissue Complications of Volar Plate Fixation for managing distal radius fractures and clinical effect while preserving pronator quadratus

The aim of the study was to analysis soft-tissue complications of volar plate fixation and it’s prevention strategies along with exploring clinical effects of preserving pronator muscle. Sixty-five patients (30 patients with PQ quadratus ,35 patients with PQ repair)with distal radius fracture underwent internal fixation with the volar locking palmar plates. The wrist pain, forearm range of motion, grip strength, wrist functional recovery score , X-ray imaging were followed-up Postoperatively. The minimum follow-up was one year. Fractures healing after 3 months postoperatively are significant. The differences between the two groups were significant regarding the wrist pain, forearm range of motion, grip and strength at 2 and 6 weeks postoperatively, but not significant at 3 and 12 month postoperatively. Preservation of the pronator quadratus muscle can prevent the flexor tendon injury, yield better early wrist function and shorten rehabilitation time.