Comparison of radiolucent CFR-PEEK and titanium volar locking plates in distal radius fracture fixation

Titanium volar locking plates are widely used in distal radius fractures (DFRs) fixation, but their induction of radiographic shielding hinders fracture assessment. Carbon fiber-reinforced polyether ether ketone (CFR-PEEK) plates are radiolucent and biomechanically comparable to titanium, potentially improving intraoperative visualization and postoperative follow-up. This study aims to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes between CFR-PEEK and titanium plates.MethodsThis retrospective study included 39 patients with DRFs treated with either CFR-PEEK (n = 19) or titanium plates (n = 20) between August 2018 and June 2019. Intraoperative and postoperative parameters were compared between the two groups. The Wilcoxon rank sum test and Fisher's exact test were applied for statistical analysis.ResultsSatisfactory fracture reduction without implant-related complications was achieved in both groups. At 12 months, wrist range of motion and radiographic alignment did not significantly differ between the groups (both p > 0.05), and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores were comparable between the groups (11.8 ± 7.0 vs 11.9 ± 4.6, p > 0.05). Notably, intraoperative CFR-PEEK plates significantly reduced the operative time compared with titanium plates (64.16 ± 15.24 min vs 78.4 ± 20.63 min, p = 0.0387). The implant removal rates did not differ between the groups.ConclusionCFR-PEEK volar locking plates demonstrated clinical and radiographic outcomes comparable to titanium plates, with added advantages of radiolucency and surgical efficiency, including a significantly shorter operative time. These findings identify CFR-PEEK plates as a safe and effective alternative in DRFs fixation.