Anterior margin articular fractures of the distal radius

Twenty anterior articular margin distal radial fractures were treated in an 11-year period. The size of the articular fragment was determined by the lateral radiograph to be either < or > 50% of the articular surface. Seventeen patients were > 60 years of age, range: 40 to 78; average age: 67. Seven were initially treated by closed manipulation, but four lost position and were internally stabilized. The remaining 13 were primarily stabilized by application of an anterior plate. Twelve patients were followed > 2 years and eight > 5 years, with an average follow-up of 3.8 years. The greater loss of wrist extension in the smaller articular fragment group was statistically significant. All patients treated by plate stabilization returned to their prefracture activities. In this fracture, the T-plate proved to be a satisfactory stabilizing implant.