Surgical treatment of fractures of the distal radius with plates: a comparison of palmar and dorsal plate position.
BACKGROUND
While most fractures of the distal radius can be treated successfully by conservative means, some fractures-especially the more complicated fracture types-require surgical fixation. One of the operative techniques is plate osteosynthesis, which can be performed in either a dorsal or a palmar plate position.


METHODS
This study reports on 122 fractures of the distal radius treated by open reduction and internal fixation with the T-plate, investigating the long-term outcome after an average period of 42.4 months. The follow-up examination contained a subjective, a clinical and a radiological part, and the results were evaluated according to the scores of Stewart and of Castaing with special emphasis on the question of whether palmar or dorsal plating showed any differences in outcome, and if so, what they were.


RESULTS
The radiological results (Stewart 1 score; i.e. the anatomical reduction) were "excellent" or "good" in 87.7% of cases. There were significant differences with respect to age, gender and plate position: patients older than 80 years and women had significantly worse results, and dorsal plating was significantly better than palmar plating. The functional outcome (Stewart 2 score) was"excellent" and 'good' in 90.2% of cases. These functional results showed a tendency for dorsal plating to be better, but the differences were not significant. There was a close correlation between the radiological and the clinical findings. With the Castaing score, which combines both functional and radiological outcomes, there were 73.8% perfect and good results.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows that the majority of patients with problem fractures of the distal radius can be successfully treated by internal fixation using the T-plate. The dorsal approach to the distal radius--in cases where dorsal plating is appropriate--will result in a better anatomical reduction and clinical outcome.
Letsch
Rainer
R
Klinik für Unfall- und Wiederherstellungschirurgie, Humboldt-Klinikum der Vivantes GmbH, Am Nordgraben 2, 13509 Berlin, Germany. RLetsch@KHR-Berlin.de
Infanger
Manfred
M
Schmidt
Jörg
J
Kock
Hans-Jürgen
HJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome