Clinical and radiological evaluation of Smith's fractures with buttress plate stabilization

Background. This study was a retrospective follow-up evaluation of clinical and radiological outcome in Smith's fractures in 38 patients treated in the Orthopedics and Traumatology Department at the Skubiszewski University Medical School in the years 1986-2005. Material and methods. The group consisted of 24 women and 14 men 15 to 74 years of age (ave. 48). All patients were treated with open reduction and distal fragment stabilization with buttress plate. There were 9 transverse type 1 fractures, 14 palmar lip type 2 fractures, and 15 type 3 fractures with oblique fracture line, according to the Thomas classification. Results. Follow-up examinations were performed on 32 patients. There were: 10 excellent outcomes, 10 good, and 12 fair according to the Gartland score. Post-traumatic osteoarthritis developed in all patients with inadequate intraarticalar fracture reduction. Conclusions. Volar displaced fractures of the distal radius need preoperative examination and operative planning. Stabilization of the distal fragment with buttress plate is reliable and gives fracture healing without loss of reduction.