Distal radius fractures - Treatment with volar locking plates - Functional results according to fracture type

The aim of this study is to determine if there are differences in functional results in patients presenting fractures of the distal radius treated with volar locking plates and, secondarily, to compare these results according to fracture type (AO).

39 patients treated between January 2013 and December 2015 were evaluated. They were 19 women and 20 men, with an average of 60 years old and a range between 18 and 86 years old. The average follow up was of 46 months. We made radiographic postoperative measurements of the ulnar tilt angle of the radius, the volar tilt angle of the radius and styloid height. We evaluated residual pain with VAS (Analogue Visual Scale). The objective and subjective function were evaluated with the DASH inquiry (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand) and Mayo wrist score.

The mean flexion was of 51º, the extension was 55º, pronation was 80º, and supination was 75º. The mean ulnar tilt angle was 19, 66°, the mean volar tilt angle was  2.07°, and the mean styloid height was 8.97 mm. The average DASH was 14.38  and the average Mayo was of 78.58. There was no significant statistical correlation between the fracture complexity and the analyzed variables.

In this series, volar locking plates were a valid option for the resolution of unstable distal radius fractures in its different patterns and in a wide age range.