title: Locking distal radius plate--early results from India.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Restoration of wrist function to close to preinjury levels of patients with intra-articular distal end radius fractures is of concern. Open reduction and internal fixation with angular stable screw fixation implants is coming in vogue but little literature evidence supports it. The objectives of this study are to assess the ability of volar locking plates to maintain fracture reduction when used to treat dorsally displaced intra-articular distal radial fractures and to assess the patient-related outcome after this procedure.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a prospective study from March 2008 to September 2009, 23 cases of intra-articular distal radius fractures were included in the study. All these fractures underwent open reduction and internal fixation with 2.4 volar locking distal radius plates. Every patient was reviewed with a minimum follow-up of 36 weeks (9 months to 2 years). Radiographs were taken to assess fracture union or for any potential loss of fracture reduction. Functional outcome was assessed with evaluation of range of movements of the wrist and pain as per the Visual Analog Scale.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Radiologic union was noted by the end of 18 weeks in 3 subjects, at the end of 24 weeks in 13 subjects and by 30th week in 6 patients. As for overall functional outcome, 4 patients had excellent outcome, 18 had good outcome, and 1 patient had poor outcome. None of our patients had neurovascular injuries or tendon ruptures during this period.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Volar locking plate is a viable option for treating intra-articular distal radius fractures.
authors: Department of Orthopaedics and Taumatology, Tejasvini Hospital SSIOT, Kadri, Mangalore, India.
authors: M Shantharam
authors: MS
authors: Shetty
authors: M Ajith
authors: MA
authors: Kumar
authors: Kanthi
authors: K
authors: Kiran
authors: Abhishek R
authors: AR
authors: Kini
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007194:India; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010147:Pain Measurement; D053401:Palmar Plate / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome