Evaluation of the Results of Volar Plating in the Treatment of Fractures of Distal End Radius

Background: Fractures of lower end radius are most common fractures of the upper extremity. Increased awareness of the complexity of the distal end radius fractures have stimulated a growing interest and promoted new ideas regarding their management. Close reduction and cast immobilization had been the mainstay of treatment of these fractures but poor functional and cosmetic results are not uncommon. The volar plate system has been shown to be reliable for the fixation of distal radius fractures. As open reduction and volar plating ensures more consistent correction of displacement and maintenance of reduction, this prospective study evaluates the anatomical and functional outcome of open reduction and plate fixation in the management of fracture distal end radius. Method: In this study 40 patients with distal end radius fractures were included, informed consent was and clearance from ethical committee of the institute was taken. The study was Prospective, interventional and observational for the methods used for management of the fracture. Patients were evaluated pre operatively and post operatively at the end of first, fourth, sixth week,3 months and then once in 3months up to 12 months. Results: In the prospective study conducted with forty patients,88% anatomical and 93% functional, excellent to good results suggests that stabilizing the fracture fragments with volar plate and screws in the management of the fractures of distal radius, is an effective method to maintain the reduction till union and prevent collapse of the fracture fragments, even when the fracture is grossly comminuted / intra-articular / unstable and / or the bone is osteoporotic. Conclusion: This study concludes that open reduction and internal fixation with volar plating has excellent functional outcome with minimal complications. The procedure is applicable for all types of Frykman fractures in young patients with a good bone stock as well as in elderly osteoporotic patients