Journal of Musculoskeletal Trauma

Original Article

Treatment of Fractures of the Distal Radius Using Variable-Angle Volar Locking Plate: Jae Cheon Sim, Sung Sik Ha, Ki Do Hong, Tae Ho Kim, Min Chul Sung; J Korean Fract Soc 2015;28(1):46-52. Published online January 31, 2015; DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2015.28.1.46

Abstract PDF: PURPOSE
The purpose of this study is to evaluate outcome of variable-angle volar locking plate for treatment of distal radius fractures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We retrospectively analyzed the results in 45 cases treated by variable-angle volar locking plate. We evaluated the clinical results according to the Mayo wrist performance scoring system and radiographic results.
RESULTS
All cases had bony union. The mean Mayo wrist performance scoring system was 84.8. Between preoperative and immediate postoperative radiographic measurement, the mean radial length improved from 8.4 to 11.8 mm, radial inclination from 14.2degrees to 22.4degrees, volar tilt from -4.5degrees to 9.6degrees, and intraarticular step-off from 1.8 to 0.3 mm (p<0.05). Between immediate postoperative and latest follow-up radiographic measurements, the mean loss of radial length measured 0.8 mm, radial inclination 0.4degrees, and volar tilt 0.9degrees (p>0.05). All cases showed bone union with no evidence of malunion, nonunion, or metal failure.
CONCLUSION
Treatment of distal radius fractures using variable angle volar locking plate showed satisfactory outcomes. It is a good option to obtain stable fixation without significant loss of reduction.

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