title: Treatment of distal radial fractures with the DVR-A plate--the early Bristol experience.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the study was to assess how adequately distal radial fracture reduction was reproduced and maintained with the distal volar radius anatomic DVR-A (Biomet, Inc) locking plate.
  
  
  METHODS
  We looked at a consecutive series of 111 patients treated with the DVR-A plate at our institution from 2007-2010. The preoperative, intra-operative, and postoperative films were reviewed. The AO and Frykman classification was recorded. The sagittal tilt, radial inclination, and radial length were measured on intra-operative X-rays and compared with final follow-up X-rays. The last recorded range of motion at follow-up and a functional assessment using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score was recorded.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At final follow-up a mean radial inclination of 22.22 degrees (11 to 38 degrees), radial height of 11.85 mm (6 to 18 mm), and sagittal tilt of 6.71 degrees volar (-9 to 19 degrees) was achieved. From initial post-operative films, to final follow-up X-rays there was a mean increase of 0.17 degrees in radial inclination, a mean loss of 0.36 mm radial height, and a mean loss of 2.17 degrees volar tilt. The mean extension was 46.8 degrees, flexion 48.3 degrees, pronation 77.4 degrees, supination 74.8 degrees, radial deviation 15.3 degrees and the ulnar deviation 19 degrees. The mean DASH score was 12.8 (0-68).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The DVR-A plate achieved a highly satisfactory reduction of radial length and radial inclination, with a small loss of volar sagittal tilt at final follow-up. A good functional outcome was reported, with a satisfactory range of motion achieved. The DVR-A plate is a safe and effective treatment for unstable and intra-articular displaced distal radius fractures, particularly in younger patients, in the short term.
authors.affiliation: Department of Hand Surgery, Bristol Royal Infirmary, Bristol, BS2 8HW, UK.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Loveridge
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Ahearn
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Gee
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Pearson
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sivaloganathan
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Bhatia
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001860:Bone Plates; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014955:Wrist Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology*; D055815:Young Adult