Radiological outcomes of AO type B and C distal radius fractures managed with 2.7 mm volar locking plate fixation in geriatric population: a retrospective analysis

Background: Distal end radius fractures are one of the most common fractures. Compared to younger patients, elderly with distal radius fractures with osteoporosis and higher comminution compromise the treatment outcomes. Anatomic reduction with stable fixation is usually the choice of treatment for displaced intra-articular fractures. While osteoporosis and poor bone quality hamper fracture stabilization, locking compression plates (LCPs) provide enhanced stability and axial loading force as compared to conventional plates. The current study retrospectively analysed the postoperative radiological outcomes in a 2.7 mm volar LCP system used for internal stabilisation of intra articular distal radius fractures.Methods: A retrospective study was conducted in the Sanjay Gandhi institute of trauma and orthopaedics, Bangalore from June 2018 to July 2020. All Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen (AO) type B and C distal radius fractures of patients aged 60 and above who underwent 2.7 mm volar locking plate fixation during that time period were analysed with X-rays at immediate post-operative, six weeks and three months. The radiological outcome was scored based on Sarmiento’s modification of Lindstorm criteria.Results: The mean immediate post-operative radial shortening, decrease in radial deviation and loss of palmar tilt were 3.80±1.03, 4.38±1.05 and 3.97±1.02, respectively. The corresponding values at last follow up were 4.31±1.12, 6.19±1.02 and 4.76±0.99, respectively. No statistically significant difference (p=0.949; p=1.0; p=0.996) in radial shortening, loss of radial deviation and decrease in palmar angulation was seen till the final follow up. Sarmiento’s modification of Lindstorm criteria showed a good radiological outcome in 80% and excellent in 20%.Conclusions: Use of 2.7 mm volar LCP showed good to excellent post-operative radiological outcomes in geriatric population. The fracture reduction achieved in the immediate post-operative period is maintained throughout the follow up duration without any significant change