[Angularly stable radius plate: progress in treatment of problematic distal radius fracture?]

Fractures of the distal radius represent one of the most common fractures and have high socioeconomic relevance. Using the volar approach to avoid the soft tissue problems associated with dorsal plating, we treated a consecutive series of 49 displaced intra-articular distal radius fractures with a new fixed-angle internal fixation device. According to the AO classification, there were 21 C1, 19 C2, and nine C3 fractures. A retrospective study was carried out to obtain the functional results after open reduction and plate osteosynthesis. Loss of correction between postoperative and follow-up radiography was 1 degrees in volar tilt and radial inclination. The radial shortening was 1 mm. Wrist motion at final follow-up examination had recovered to an average of 80% of that at the normal, contralateral site. Overall outcome according to the Gartland and Werley scales showed 35% excellent, 50% good, and 15% fair results. Using the Martini score, we obtained 85% excellent and good results. The DASH score represented high subjective satisfaction.