Volar plate fixation of AO type C2 and C3 distal radius fractures, a single-center study of 55 patients.
OBJECTIVE
We hypothesized that volar locked plate fixation of AO type C2 or C3 fractures could effectively maintain radiographic reduction as shown by comparison of immediate postoperative alignment and that seen after more than 12 months' follow-up.


METHODS
Prospective cohort study.


METHODS
Level II trauma center located in a suburban area.


METHODS
Fifty-five adult patients with intra-articular fractures of the distal radius.


METHODS
Open reduction and internal fixation with a locked volar plate and screws.


METHODS
Volar tilt, radial inclination, radial length, and articular incongruity were radiologically assessed immediately postoperatively and at the time of final follow-up (mean follow-up: 29 +/- 7 months).


RESULTS
At final radiographic examination, the average loss of volar tilt was 1.9 +/- 3.3 degrees (P < 0.001) and the average loss of radial inclination was 1.4 +/- 2.8 degrees (P < 0.001). Four patients had more than 5 degrees loss of radial inclination (7.8%), and 22 patients (43.1%) had more than 5 degrees loss of volar tilt. Radial shortening was not statistically significant (P > 0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The treatment of intra-articular fractures of the distal radius with a volar locked plating system is associated with a small but statistically significant loss of volar tilt and radial inclination upon comparison of immediate postoperative alignment with that seen after more than 12 months' follow-up.
Gruber
Gerald
G
Department of Orthopaedics, Graz University Hospital, Graz, Austria. gerald.gruber@klinikum-graz.at
Gerald
Gruber
G
Gruber
Karl
K
Karl
Gruber
G
Giessauf
Christian
C
Christian
Giessauf
G
Clar
Heimo
H
Heimo
Clar
C
Zacherl
Max
M
Max
Zacherl
Z
Fuerst
Florentine
F
Florentine
Fuerst
F
Bernhardt
Gerwin A
GA
Alexander
Bernhardt G
BG
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001860:Bone Plates; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053401:Palmar Plate / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging* / Q000601:surgery*