title: Distal radius fractures: surgical treatment with internal fixation.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the efficacy of plates and screws with angular stability in osteosynthesis of fractures of the distal radius.
  
  
  METHODS
  We analyzed 52 patients undergone surgery for fracture of the distal radius at the Clinica Ortopedica dell'Università di Trieste; in half of the patients osteosynthesis was provided using Synthes' LCP plates, in the other half we utilized a multidirectional and angular stable plate ("Aptus Radius" by Medartis). Mean follow-up was 28 ± 10 months, patients were evaluated with DASH score (disability of arm shoulder and hand) and the modified Gartland Werley score.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of joint function, motility, volar and radial mean inclination.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Based on clinical and radiological results using angular stability plates must be considered as the method of election in the treatment of fractures of the distal epiphysis of the radius; in particular, thanks to the broader technical capabilities that they allow, are particularly indicated in unstable fractures.
authors.affiliation: Clinica Ortopedica e Traumatologica, Università degli Studi di Trieste, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria "Ospedali Riuniti" di Trieste. rvalentini@units.it.
authors.forename: Roberto
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Valentini
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: De Fabrizio
authors.forename: Gianluca
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Piovan
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bolcic
authors.forename: Sergio
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bernobi
authors.forename: Giovanni
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Fancellu
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult