Internal fixation of distal radius fractures with dorsal dislocation: pi-plate or two 1/4 tube plates? A prospective...

Severely comminuted distal radius fractures can be treated by different methods. Our routine procedure in dorsal dislocated fractures is the dorsal stabilization with two 1/4 tube plates. The new pi-plate is an other device that matches optimally the anatomy of the distal radius and allows a near half-circumferential dorsal buttress of comminuted intraarticular and extra-articular radial fractures.

In a prospective randomized study, comminuted distal radius fractures with dorsal displacement were stabilized either with two 1/4 tube plates or with the pi-plate. All patients were reviewed at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery by thorough clinical examination and standard radiographs of both wrists. Results were analyzed and compared in both groups.

Subjective and objective results in the pi-plate group are disappointing. Although optimal anatomic results were achieved, the complication-rate was high (14.3%) and the range of motion was limited. At final review, extension and flexion of the injured wrist had recovered to an average of 67% of the normal, contralateral side. Radial and ulnar deviation were limited to 64%, whereas pronation and supination reached 89% and 87%, respectively. Overall, results were good to excellent only in 56%. In a comparable group of patients with similar fractures and stabilization with two 1/4 tube plates, 82% of patients achieved excellent to good results, wrist motion was significantly better (p < 0.05), and no complications occurred.

With open reduction, cancellous bone grafting, and internal plate fixation in comminuted distal radial fractures, excellent results can be achieved. In our experience, we cannot recommend the 7pi-plate in its current shape and prefer to stabilize distal radius fractures and dorsal fragment dislocations with two 1/4 tube plates.