Volar Locking Distal Radius Plates Show Better Short-term Results Than Other Treatment Options: A Prospective Randomised Controlled Trial

Overview

Journal World J Orthop

Publisher Baishideng Publishing Group

Specialty Orthopedics

Date 2016 Nov 1

PMID 27795951

Citations 13

Authors

Herwig Drobetz

Lidia Koval

Patrick Weninger

Ruth Luscombe

Paula Jeffries

Stefan Ehrendorfer

Clare Heal

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Aim: To compare the outcomes of displaced distal radius fractures treated with volar locking plates and with immediate postoperative mobilisation with the outcomes of these fractures treated with modalities that necessitate 6 wk wrist immobilisation.

Methods: A prospective, randomised controlled single-centre trial was conducted with 56 patients who had a displaced radius fracture were randomised to treatment either with a volar locking plate ( = 29), or another treatment modality ( = 27; cast immobilisation with or without wires or external fixator). Outcomes were measured at 12 wk. Functional outcome scores measured were the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) Score; Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand and activities of daily living (ADLs). Clinical outcomes were wrist range of motion and grip strength. Radiographic parameters were volar inclination and ulnar variance.

Results: Patients in the volar locking plate group had significantly better PRWE scores, ADL scores, grip strength and range of extension at three months compared with the control group. All radiological parameters were significantly better in the volar locking plate group at 3 mo.

Conclusion: The present study suggests that volar locking plates produced significantly better functional and clinical outcomes at 3 mo compared with other treatment modalities. Anatomical reduction was significantly more likely to be preserved in the plating group. Level of evidence: II.

Citing Articles

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Comparison of 2-year clinical and radiological outcomes between volar plating and external fixation with additional K-wires for AO Type C distal radius fractures.

Cicekli O, Sukur E, Kochai A, Bayam L, Bingol I, Ozdemir U Turk J Med Sci. 2022; 49(5):1418-1425.

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Open Reduction and Internal Fixation by Volar Locking Plates and the "Poking Reduction" Technique in Distal Radius Fractures with Displaced Dorsal Ulnar Fragments: A Retrospective Study.

Zhang L, Wang M, Liu Z, Wang Y, Sun Y, Zhu Z Orthop Surg. 2022; 14(10):2489-2498.

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A comparative study of variable angle volar plate and bridging external fixator with K-wire augmentation in comminuted distal radius fractures.

Mishra R, Sharma B, Kumar A, Sherawat R Chin J Traumatol. 2021; 24(5):301-305.

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What Is the Relative Effectiveness of the Various Surgical Treatment Options for Distal Radius Fractures? A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Woolnough T, Axelrod D, Bozzo A, Koziarz A, Koziarz F, Oitment C Clin Orthop Relat Res. 2020; 479(2):348-362.

PMID: 33165042 PMC: 7899542. DOI: 10.1097/CORR.0000000000001524.

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