J Korean Fract Soc.  2015 Jan;28(1):46-52. 10.12671/jkfs.2015.28.1.46.

Treatment of Fractures of the Distal Radius Using Variable-Angle Volar Locking Plate

• Sim JC
• Ha SS
• Hong KD
• Kim TH
• Sung MC

• KMID: 1774096
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2015.28.1.46

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to evaluate outcome of variable-angle volar locking plate for treatment of distal radius fractures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed the results in 45 cases treated by variable-angle volar locking plate. We evaluated the clinical results according to the Mayo wrist performance scoring system and radiographic results.
RESULTS
All cases had bony union. The mean Mayo wrist performance scoring system was 84.8. Between preoperative and immediate postoperative radiographic measurement, the mean radial length improved from 8.4 to 11.8 mm, radial inclination from 14.2degrees to 22.4degrees, volar tilt from -4.5degrees to 9.6degrees, and intraarticular step-off from 1.8 to 0.3 mm (p<0.05). Between immediate postoperative and latest follow-up radiographic measurements, the mean loss of radial length measured 0.8 mm, radial inclination 0.4degrees, and volar tilt 0.9degrees (p>0.05). All cases showed bone union with no evidence of malunion, nonunion, or metal failure.
CONCLUSION
Treatment of distal radius fractures using variable angle volar locking plate showed satisfactory outcomes. It is a good option to obtain stable fixation without significant loss of reduction.

Keyword

Distal radius fracture; Volar approach; Variable angle volar locking plate

MeSH Terms

Follow-Up Studies
Radius Fractures
Radius*
Retrospective Studies
Wrist

Figure

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  Fig. 1 (A) A 40-year-old female patient presented with a distal radius fracture as AO classification C2. (B) Postoperative radiographs show acceptable reduction with variable angle volar locking compression plate. (C) Postoperative 12-month radiographs show complete bone union.

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