[Distal radius fracture: clinico-radiographic correlation after fixation with volar plate]

The purpose of the study was to assess and correlate the clinical and radiographic results of patients with distal radius fracture treated with a volar approach and plate osteosynthesis thus identifying the factors that determine or contribute to functional results in these patients.

All patients who underwent surgical treatment for distal radius fracture with a volar approach and plate osteosynthesis from May 2010 to May 2011 were identified. They were radiographically assessed with measurements of the volar and radial angle and clinically with the Mayo Wrist Score; the correlation coefficient was used to obtain the results.

A total of 35 patients met the selection criteria; 23 females and 12 males; mean age was 40 years (18-62); the right extremity was predominant (25:10) and was the dominant limb in 57% of cases. The assessment using the MWS was done at postoperative year one; mean score was 81 (50-100): 37% were excellent, 31% good, 26% satisfactory, and 6% poor. The correlation showed that the MWS-radial angle and the MWS-volar angle had statistically significant values with p values of 0.0001 and 0.0008 respectively, both with a 95% confidence interval.

The clinical and radiographic correlation showed that the radial and volar angles are determining factors for a satisfactory course. Age, sex, the dominant limb, the number of days elapsed and the AO classification did not show statistically significant values for patient course.