[Unidirectional versus multidirectional palmar locking osteosynthesis of unstable distal radius fractures: comparative analysis with LDR 2.4 mm versus 2.7 mm matrix-Smartlock].
BACKGROUND
Due to advances in the development of the unidirectional locking plates there is now an increased use of multidirectional palmar locking plates in the treatment of distal radius factures. The purpose of this study was to evaluate a possible improvement of the treatment and results.


METHODS
This prospective cohort study investigated 40 patients with C1 and C2 Colles' fractures who had been treated with unidirectional and multidirectional locking plates. The average time for the follow-up examinations was 12.3 months (range 12-15 months) after surgery. The intra-operative functional (neutral-zero method), radiological and subjective (DASH score, VAS) results were evaluated.


RESULTS
The intra-operative fluoroscopy time of the unidirectional group was 58 s shorter compared to the multidirectional group. All fractures healed without any complication. The radiological, subjective (DASH score) and objective results for both groups were good and showed no differences.


CONCLUSIONS
Unidirectional palmar locking plates are equally suited for the therapy of C1 and C2 fractures as multidirectional palmar locking plates but multidirectional plates require a longer fluoroscopy time.
Hakimi
M
M
Klinik für Unfall- und Handchirurgie, Heinrich-Heine-Universität Düsseldorf, Moorenstr. 5, 40225, Düsseldorf, Deutschland.
Jungbluth
P
P
Gehrmann
S
S
Nowak
J
J
Windolf
J
J
Wild
M
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001860:Bone Plates; D019544:Equipment Failure Analysis; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011474:Prosthesis Design; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*