title: A randomised clinical study comparing palmar and dorsal fixed-angle plates for the internal fixation of AO C-type fractures of the distal radius in the elderly.
abstract: Current surgical treatments for distal radial fractures include dorsal and palmar plate fixation. We report results of a randomised study comparing these methods for AO C1-3 fractures. The emphasis was placed on the early postoperative functional recovery within the first 6 months as this interval is of decisive importance for elderly patients. Thirty patients with unilateral AO C1-3 fractures were enroled, 15 were treated with a palmar plate and 15 received a dorsal Pi-plate. Results were assessed 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months postoperatively focusing on functional recovery. The palmar plate group demonstrated significantly better results in range of motion, grip strength and pain.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Kantonsspital St. Gallen, Switzerland. rafael.jakubietz@kssg.ch
authors.forename: R G
authors.initials: RG
authors.lastname: Jakubietz
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Gruenert
authors.forename: D F
authors.initials: DF
authors.lastname: Kloss
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Schindele
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Jakubietz
mesh_terms: D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001860:Bone Plates; D015331:Cohort Studies; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014955:Wrist Joint