Evaluation of Biomechanical Hand Function after Distal Radius Fractures Treated with a Volar Locking Plate

Distal radius fracture is one of the most common injuries of the skeletal and muscular system. It has been reported in literature that distal radius fractures account for one-tenth of all the fractures experienced by people older than 35 years. Long-term disability remains in approximately 3% of patients after a distal radius fracture. In order to optimise treatment of distal radius fractures, a study with three objectives was performed. We evaluated the effect of immobilisation for the period of 2 weeks on the hand function after a distal radius fracture and osteosynthesis with a volar locking plate. The effect of the fracture type according to the AO classification on the hand function was also assessed. After the bone has healed, the effect of the removal of metal constructions on the hand function was evaluated. The analysis of the results demonstrated that there were no differences in the range of wrist motions and the hand functionbetween the patients after a displaced distal radius fracture operated with a volar locking plate and post-surgery immobilisation of the wrist applied for the period of 2 weeks and the patients who did not have post-surgery wrist immobilisation applied. A worse function was determined in the patients after type C fracture according to the AO radiological classification. The range of wrist motions and the hand function after the removal of a volar locking plate did not differ