Fixation of Dorsally Displaced Distal Radius Fractures With Volar Plate

Background: The treatment of unstable fractures of the distal radius remains controversial between nonoperative and operative management and between different methods of internal and external fixation. The aim of the study is to evaluate the early functional and radiologic outcomes of using Association for the Study of Osteosynthesis (AO) (Synthes) distal radius volar locking plate for unstable dorsally displaced distal radius fractures. Methods: Seventeen consecutive fractures in 16 patients were included in the study. The average age of the patients was 46 years. There were 11 women and 5 men. Patients were selected according to the protocol; unstable dorsally displaced distal radius fractures in patients less than 65 years of age. Fractures were treated according to the protocol using AO volar locking plate. All patients have completed the study. The average follow-up period was 8.4 months (6-13 months). The functional and radiologic outcomes were rated using three scoring systems; the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scoring system, the Gartland and Werley score, and the Scoring system of Jakim et al. Results: Eighty-eight percent of the fractures were rated as good or excellent according to the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scoring system, and the Gartland and Werley score, whereas 76.4% were rated as good or excellent according to the Scoring system of Jakim et al. Conclusion: This report supports the view of using volar plating for. the unstable dorsally displaced distal radius fractures.