[Volar fixed angle plate LCP 3.5 for dorsally distal radius fracture. About 24 cases]

Fracture of the distal radius with posterior displacement is the most common wrist fracture. Pinning is generally proposed. The problem is that a secondary displacement may persist, even for the least complex fractures. With the advent of the fixed-angle plate with a self-locking screw, we considered using this method in combination with an anterior approach to the radius. We report our preliminary results.

From November 1 to March 31, 2003, among the 195 fractures of the distal radius with posterior displacement which we treated in our unit, 135 were treated with orthopedic reduction, 36 with Kapandji pinning and 24 with a T-shaped anterior locking compression plate (Synthès, LCP 3.5. During the early part of this series, the LCP was used for emergency situations in young adults with a posterior displacement exceeding 20 degrees . Starting in November 2002, the technique was also proposed for revisions for secondary displacements after orthopedic reduction or pinning procedures. Secondary displacement was noted on the standard X-rays and the clinical analysis included a measurement of muscle strength, the DASH score and the clinical evaluation score used by the SOFCOT symposium in November 2000.

Twenty-four patients (14 female, 10 male, mean age: 54.5 years) presented 14 extra-articular fractures and ten articular fractures. At admission, mean frontal inclination of the radial glenoid was 13 degrees with a posterior displacement of 25.45 degrees and an ulnar variance measuring+4mm. Eighteen patients were reviewed at mean 16 months follow-up. Mean frontal inclination of the glenoid was 23.95 degrees with mean anteversion 5.45 degrees . Using the SOFCOT criteria, 11 outcomes were anatomic and seven presented moderate displaced healing. The wrist force (Jamar was 95% of the value measured on the healthy side. The mean DASH score was 38.47. Outcome was considered excellent for nine cases, good for six, fair for three and poor for zero. Complications were: reflex dystrophy (n=4), carpal tunnel syndrome (n=1), cheloid scar (n=1), glenoids in the pulse gutter (n=10), and secondary fracture along the upper border of the plate (n=3).

This study demonstrated that, used on the anterior aspect of the radius, the locking compression plate provides satisfactory treatment for fractures of the distal radius with posterior displacement. Because of the angular stability, the reduction can be maintained over time so that secondary displacement is no longer a problem. This is a difficult technique which requires particular skill. We no longer recommend the LCP 3.5 plate due to the poorly adapted ergonometry, the late fracture over the plate and the fact that the material is not removed.