title: Comparison between external fixators and fixed-angle volar-locking plates in the treatment of distal radius fractures.
abstract: Distal radius fractures are a common disorder in industrialized nations associated with osteoporosis, with a reported incidence of two fractures per thousand patients per year. We performed a retrospective study comparing two sets of 40 patients, with fracture of the distal radius treated with Penning external fixator, compared to 40 patients treated with fixed-angle volar-locking plate (Plate Depuy ® DVR), with the objective of finding differences between both treatment methods in anatomical values, functional outcomes and complication rates. All fractures were classified according to the AO classification. Postero-anterior and lateral radiographs of the wrist were taken after fracture, after surgery and at 6 months after surgery. We also assessed functional outcome. Minimum follow up was of 10 months. We compared complications between both groups. In the group of patients treated with fixed-angle volar-locked plate, radiological results are found to be closer to the anatomical references. Final outcomes revealed similar functional scores between both groups. The complications rate was statistically higher in the group of patients who underwent external fixation. In the fixed-angle volar-locked plate group, most of complications were related to patient discomfort due to the volar-locking plate.
authors.affiliation: Hospital 12 Octubre, Avenida de Córdoba s/n, 28041 Madrid, Spain.
authors.forename: Alberto Agustín
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Jorge-Mora
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Cecilia-López
authors.forename: Victor
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Rodríguez-Vega
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Suárez-Arias
authors.forename: Eva
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Andrés-Esteban
authors.forename: Miguel Ángel
authors.initials: MÁ
authors.lastname: Porras-Moreno
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Resines-Erasun
keywords: Complications; External-fixator; Fracture; Plate; Radius