J Korean Fract Soc.  2008 Jan;21(1):51-56. 10.12671/jkfs.2008.21.1.51.

Comparison of Outcomes for Unstable Distal Radius Intraarticular Fractures: T-locking Compression Plate versus External Fixator

• Cho CH
• Jung SW
• Sohn SW
• Kang CH
• Bae KC
• Lee KJ

• KMID: 1480964
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2008.21.1.51

Abstract

PURPOSE: To compare the outcomes between T-locking compression plate (T-LCP) and external fixator (EF) for unstable distal radius intraarticular fractures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We retrospectively analysed the results in 22 cases with T-LCP, 20 cases with EF. We evaluated the clinical results according to the Mayo Wrist Scoring System, radiographic results.
RESULTS
The mean score was 84.6 in the T-LCP group and 80.5 in the EF group respectively. Final radiographic measurements for the T-LCP group averaged 10.5 mm radial length, 21.7degrees radial inclination, 9.8degrees volar tilt and 0.25 mm intraarticular step-off. The EF group averaged 10.1 mm radial length, 20.3 degrees radial inclination, 6.3 degrees volar tilt and 0.73 mm intraarticular step-off.
CONCLUSION
Both groups showed satisfactory final clinical outcomes. But T-LCP group allowed return to daily living, resulting in early postsurgical wrist motion. By the anatomical reduction, final volar tilt, intraarticular step-off were statistically better in the T-LCP group.

Keyword

Distal radius; Unstable intraarticular fracture; T-locking compression plate; External fixator

MeSH Terms

External Fixators
Radius
Retrospective Studies
Wrist

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 71-year-old woman with unstable distal radius intraarticular fracture was treated by open reduction and internal fixation with T-LCP. (A) Preoperative radiographs show AO classification C1 fracture. (B) Immediate postoperative radiographs show successful reduction and fixation. (C) Radiographs at 26 months postoperatively show no significant loss of reduction.

• 

  Fig. 2 70-year-old women with unstable distal radius intraarticular fracture was treated by closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation with external fixator. (A) Preoperative radiographs show AO classification C2 fracture. (B) Immediate postoperative radiographs show satisfactory reduction and fixation. (C) Radiographs at 16 months postoperatively show no significant loss of reduction.

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