Volar Plating Versus Combined Plating For AO Type C Distal Radius Fracture: A Randomized Controlled Study Of 135
Ásgerdur Thórdardóttir1, Marcus Sagerfors1, Jonny Andersson2
1Department of Orthopedics and Hand Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Örebro University, Örebro, Sweden.
Purpose:
The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical and radiographic outcomes 5 years after randomization to volar plating or combined plating for surgical treatment of an AO (Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Osteosynthesefragen) type C distal radius fracture (DRF).
Methods:
A total of 150 patients were previously randomized to a volar locking plate or combined plating for treatment of an AO type C DRF with strict inclusion and exclusion criteria. All participating patients were invited for a 5-year postoperative follow-up. Radiographs, pain (visual analog scale), grip strength, and range of motion were documented, along with the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, and EuroQol 5-Dimension questionnaires. Arthritis in the radiocarpal and distal radioulnar joint was graded on radiographs by a senior radiologist according to the Knirk and Jupiter classification.
Results:
There were 135 patients (66 in the volar plate group and 69 in the combined plating group), corresponding to a 90% follow-up rate. Median age at follow-up was 67 years (interquartile range 57-75). There was no difference in radiographic arthritis between the two groups. The volar plate group had significantly better outcomes in flexion, extension, radial deviation, and Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (P < .05). There were no significant between-group differences in the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand, EuroQol 5-Dimension index, or EuroQol Visual Analog Scale (P > 05). Hardware removal was significantly more common in the combined plating group (64%) than in the volar plate group (30%) (P < .001).
Conclusions:
Among surgically treated patients with AO type C DRF, those operated with volar plating had better clinical outcomes 5 years after surgery compared to those treated with combined plating, but the minimal clinically important difference was not reached. These findings support volar plating as the preferred method for AO type C DRFs.
Type Of Study/Level Of Evidence:
Therapeutic I.
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