title: A comparison of minimally invasive approach vs conventional approach for volar plating of distal radial fractures.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The aim of this study was to introduce and to evaluate the functional results of volar plating of distal radial fractures through a longitudinal minimally invasive approach.
  
  
  METHODS
  From January 2010 to January 2013, 157 patients with distal radial fractures were randomly allocated to group A (n = 83; 49 men, 34 women; mean age: 42 (18-67)) and B (n = 74; 46 men, 28 women; mean age: 41 (22-65)), including type A2, A3, B3, C1, and C2 fractures, based on AO Foundation and Orthopaedic Trauma Association Classification. Patients in group A were treated through a 1.5- to 2-cm longitudinal incision, and patients in group B were treated through the conventional flexor carpi radialis approach. All fractures were treated with a locking volar plate. The functional results were compared with range of motion, grip and pronation strengths for each fracture type.
  
  
  RESULTS
  After a follow-up of 2 years, similar measurements were noted on range of motion and grip strength in both groups. Regarding pronation strength, group A was superior to group B (p < 0.05).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Minimally invasive volar plating of distal radial fractures is a safe and reliable technique, resulting in better pronation function and appearance.
  
  
  METHODS
  Level I, Therapeutic study.
authors.affiliation: Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China.
authors.forename: Xu
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: The People's Hospital of Zhangqiu, China.
authors.forename: Xiangye
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Huang
authors.affiliation: Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China. Electronic address: shaoxinzhong@sina.com.
authors.forename: Xinzhong
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Shao
authors.affiliation: The Second Hospital of Qinhuangdao, China.
authors.forename: Hongwei
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Zhu
authors.affiliation: The Second Hospital of Qinhuangdao, China.
authors.forename: Jianxin
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.affiliation: The Second Hospital of Qinhuangdao, China.
authors.forename: Xianhui
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Distal radial fracture; Pronator quadratus; Volar plating