Do Variable Locking Plates Provide Better Functional and Radiological Outcomes in Volar Barton Fractures?

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Traumatology
• Radiology

Background:

• Volar Barton fractures are intra-articular distal radius fractures with potential volar subluxation or dislocation.
• Management aims for pain-free motion, return to activities, and prevention of early-onset arthritis.
• Variable locking plates are assessed for functional and radiological outcomes in treating these fractures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the functional and radiological outcomes of volar Barton fractures treated with variable locking plates.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of variable locking plates in achieving stable fixation and promoting early mobilization.

Main Methods:

• A prospective, observational study of 40 patients with volar Barton fractures treated with variable locking plates.
• Clinical outcomes assessed using Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, Gartland and Werley criteria, and Sarmiento modification of Lindstrom criteria.
• Radiological assessments included range of motion (flexion, extension, pronation, supination) and outcome criteria.

Main Results:

• Mean range of motion achieved: flexion 70.63°, extension 74.3°, supination 79.83°, pronation 76.28° at six months.
• Gartland and Werley outcomes: 65% excellent, 30% good, 5% fair.
• Sarmiento criteria: 22 good, 11 excellent, 7 fair radiological outcomes. Mean DASH score was 13.98.

Conclusions:

• Variable locking plates provide immediate stability and maintain anatomic reduction for volar Barton fractures.
• This fixation method leads to better functional outcomes and facilitates early mobilization.
• The study supports the use of variable locking plates for effective management of volar Barton fractures.