Surgical treatment of distal radius fractures with an angle fixed bar palmar plating system: a single center study of 102 patients over a 2-year period.
BACKGROUND
Most fractures of the distal radius can be treated by conservative means; however, unstable distal radius fractures (DRFs) require surgical fixation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate functional and radiographic results of DRFs treated with a palmar plating system regarding patient's quality of life.


METHODS
This study reports a total number of 104 DRFs in 102 patients, operatively treated, over a 2-year period with a mean follow up time of 15.6 +/- 7.2 months The patient's average age was 59.9 +/- 18.0 years. The results were evaluated according to the scores of Gartland and Werley, Castaing and the disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) outcome questionnaire.


RESULTS
Ninety-three patients were evaluated at final examination. Excellent and good results were achieved for 92 (98.9%) patients according to score of Gartland and Werley and for 86 (92.5%) patients regarding the scoring system of Castaing. The DASH outcome questionnaire averaged 8.0 +/- 13.7 points.


CONCLUSIONS
This study shows, in a representative number of cases, that palmar plating of unstable fractures of the distal radius is a safe and effective treatment modality. Early surgical treatment results in optimal outcome regarding patient's quality of life.
Gruber
Gerald
G
Department of Surgery, District Hospital of Weiz, Franz-Pichler-Strasse 85, 8160 Weiz, Austria,.gerald.gruber@klinikum-graz.at
Bernhardt
Gerwin A
GA
Köhler
Gernot
G
Gruber
Karl
K
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors