Clin Orthop Surg.  2019 Jun;11(2):208-219. 10.4055/cios.2019.11.2.208.

A Meta-analysis of Studies of Volar Locking Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures: Conventional versus Minimally Invasive Plate Osteosynthesis

• Lee DY
• Park YJ
• Park JS

• KMID: 2445057
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/cios.2019.11.2.208

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Open reduction and internal fixation using a volar locking plate has been increasingly performed for distal radius fractures. Both conventional and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO) techniques are widely used to treat distal radius fractures. However, it is unclear which of the techniques yields better outcomes after surgery for distal radius fractures. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to compare the benefits of conventional and MIPO techniques for distal radius fractures in terms of clinical outcomes.
METHODS
Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials electronic databases were searched for articles comparing the outcomes of the conventional and MIPO techniques and published up until July 2017. Data search, extraction, analysis, and quality assessment were performed based on the Cochrane Collaboration guidelines. Clinical outcomes were evaluated using various outcome measures.
RESULTS
Four clinical studies were included in the analysis. No significant clinical differences were found between the techniques in clinical hand scoring, grip strength, and range of motion. However, patient satisfaction after surgery was significantly higher in the MIPO group than that in the conventional group (standard mean difference, −0.54; 95% confidence interval [CI], −0.79 to −0.29; I2 = 0%). Furthermore, although there were no significant differences in volar tilt and ulnar variance between the two groups, radial inclination revealed a significant difference between the two groups (radial inclination: weighted mean difference, 1.20; 95% CI, 0.25 to 2.15; I2 = 19%).
CONCLUSIONS
Both conventional and MIPO techniques were effective for patients with distal radius fractures. Despite limited high quality evidence to compare osteosynthesis with a volar locking plate via the conventional and MIPO techniques, the present study showed that the MIPO technique was associated with more favorable patient satisfaction.

Keyword

Radius fractures; Fracture fixation; Minimally invasive surgical procedures; Treatment outcome

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analysis (PRISMA) flow diagram.

• 

  Fig. 2 Forest plots showing standard mean differences in clinical outcomes of conventional osteosynthesis and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO). (A) Clinical score. (B) Patient satisfaction. (C) Grip strength. SD: standard deviation, Std: standard, IV: inverse variance, CI: confidence interval, df: degrees of freedom.

• 

  Fig. 3 Forest plots showing standard mean differences in the ranges of motions at final follow-up of conventional osteosynthesis and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO). (A) Flexion. (B) Extension. (C) Supination. (D) Pronation. SD: standard deviation, Std: standard, IV: inverse variance, CI: confidence interval, df: degrees of freedom.

• 

  Fig. 4 Forest plots showing mean differences in radiological parameters at final follow-up of conventional and minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO). (A) Volar tilt. (B) Radial inclination. (C) Ulnar variance. SD: standard deviation, IV: inverse variance, CI: confidence interval, df: degrees of freedom.

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