Volar locking plate removal after distal radius fracture: a 10-year retrospective study

Distal radius fracture (DRF) is the most common upper extremity fracture. After the introduction of volar locking plate (VLP) fixation, treatment has shifted from conservative management to more operative management. The implant removal rate after VLP fixation in patients with DRF varies and the reasons for removal and associated patient characteristics have not been clearly defined. This study aimed to compare the characteristics of patients who underwent VLP with and without subsequent implant removal. Second, the rate of implant removal according to the implant position and type was investigated. Finally, we summarized clinical outcome with implant removal, the reasons for, and complications associated with implant removal.

In this retrospective study, patient data were collected between January 1, 2008, and December 31, 2017. The study population was divided into two groups based on subsequent implant removal. Data on patient characteristics, such as age, sex, comorbidities, side of the fractured arm, the AO Foundation and Orthopaedic Trauma Association classification of the DRF, plate position grade based on the Soong classification type, type of inserted plate, insurance coverage, and treatment costs were collected. Furthermore, we investigated the reason for implant removal, clinical outcomes, and post-removal complications.

After applying the exclusion criteria, 806 patients with a total of 814 DRFs were included in the study. Among the 806 patients who underwent VLP fixation for DRF, 252 (31.3%) patients underwent implant removal. Among the patients undergoing implant removal, the mean age was 50.8 ± 14.0 years, 94 (37.3%) were male. The average time to implant removal from the fracture fixation was 12.1 ± 9.2 months (range 1-170 months). When comparing groups, patients who underwent implant removal were significantly younger and had fewer cases of diabetes, hypertension, and cancer history. According to the Soong plate position grade, the most common position was G1 in both groups. Although there was no significant difference (p = 0.075), more G2 cases were found in the removal group (15.0%) than in the retention group (10.2%). About 66.5% of the patients with implant removal had other health insurance as well as the national service, compared with 47% of the patients with implant retention. In total, 186 patients (73.8%) underwent implant removal despite being asymptomatic after the bony union. The patient satisfaction scores improved from 4.1 to 4.4 after implant removal, and 93% of the patients answered that they would choose implant removal again. Only 10% of the patients who underwent removal reported minor complications. No major complications were reported.

Although the implant removal was conducted without clinical symptoms in the majority of patients, overall patients presented improved functional outcomes with implant removal. The evidence is inconclusive regarding its necessity, however, implant removal after VLP fixation for DRF is not a challenging procedure and is not associated with major complications.

Level IV.