Purpose The management of distal radius fractures (DRFs) has evolved with the introduction of volar locking plate (VLP) fixation, offering stable fixation and better outcomes. Nevertheless, the impact of the surgeon’s experience on the complication rates in VLP fixation remains to be determined, particularly for less-experienced surgeons. This study compared the complication rates during the initial four years and subsequent two years of a hand surgeon’s practice of VLP fixation for DRFs.
Materials and Methods The data between March 2016 and December 2022 were analyzed retrospectively under the Institutional Review Board approval. A single surgeon performed all VLP fixation surgeries after finishing regular hand surgery training, with the first four years representing the less experienced phase (Group 1) and the following two years indicating the experienced phase (Group 2). The patients’ characteristics, operation-related factors, and postoperative complications, including tendon injuries, nerve-related complications, fixation and instrument-related issues, osteosynthesis-related problems, and infections, were compared. In addition, the authors compared the data with a large multicenter study conducted by experienced hand surgeons.
Results Three hundred and nineteen patients (321 wrists) were included. The mean age was 63.3 years, and 26.3% were male and 73.7% were female. The operation time was 53.7±14.5 minutes and 74.4±26.5 minutes in groups 1 and 2, respectively, which was statistically significantly shorter (p<0.001). The complication rates between the two groups were similar, except for the higher implant removal rates in Group 1. A comparison with a previous multicenter study revealed higher reduction losses and carpal tunnel syndrome in this study, but the overall complication rate was low.
Conclusion In DRF management, when the operating surgeon has completed an accredited training course, VLP fixation is a good treatment method that can be performed effectively even by less experienced surgeons with low complication rates.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
Author correction: “Does the operator's experience affect the occurrence of complications after distal radius fracture volar locking plate fixation? A comparative study of the first four years and thereafter” Kee-Bum Hong, Chi-Hoon Oh, Chae Kwang Lim, Sungwoo Lee, Soo-Hong Han, Jun-Ku Lee Journal of Musculoskeletal Trauma.2025; 38(1): 40. CrossRef
PURPOSE To evaluate the usefulness of locking compression plate (LCP) and volar plating through anterior approach for distal radius fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively analysed that 15 distal radius fracture, which would not be reduced by closed reduction or too comminuated to maintain reduction or articular surface inconguency, were treated by open reduction through anterior approach and volar plating using LCP. The results were evaluated by preoperative and postoperative radiographs. Functional results were analysed using the Modified Mayo Wrist Scoring System. RESULTS All cases achieved anatomical articular surface reduction postoperatively. In terms of radiologic analysis, mean radial length (9.0 mm vs. 11.8 mm), radial inclination (14.7degrees vs. 20.9degrees ), volar tilt (-6.3degrees vs. 8.3degrees ) and articular step-off (1.4 mm vs. 0.3 mm) were improved. The average Modified Wrist Score was 89. Nonunion or malunion was not occurred. CONCLUSION Open reduction through anterior approach and volar plating using LCP is a useful method that provides excellent results with few complications in the treatment of fracture of the distal radius.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
Periprosthetic Fracture after Locked Plating in the Osteoporotic Long Bone Fracture Ki-Chul Park, Hong-Sik Kim, Jeong-Han Oh Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association.2012; 47(3): 222. CrossRef
2.4 mm Volar Locking Compression Plate for Treatment of Unstable Distal Radius Fractures Sung-Jin Kim, Chul-Hyun Cho Journal of the Korean Fracture Society.2011; 24(2): 151. CrossRef
Treatment of Femur Supracondylar Fracture with Locking Compression Plate Seong Ho Bae, Seung Han Cha, Jeung Tak Suh Journal of the Korean Fracture Society.2010; 23(3): 282. CrossRef
Comparison of Outcomes for Unstable Distal Radius Intraarticular Fractures - T-locking Compression Plate versus External Fixator - Chul-Hyun Cho, Su-Won Jung, Sung-Won Sohn, Chul Hyung Kang, Ki-Cheor Bae, Kyung-Jae Lee Journal of the Korean Fracture Society.2008; 21(1): 51. CrossRef
Basic Principle of the Locking Compression Plate Keun Bae Lee Journal of the Korean Fracture Society.2008; 21(3): 261. CrossRef
Volar T-Locking Compression Plate for Treatment of Unstable Distal Radius Fractures Chul Hyun Cho, Ki Choer Bae, Doo Hyun Kwon Journal of the Korean Fracture Society.2008; 21(3): 220. CrossRef
PURPOSE To analyze the radiologic and clinical results of open reduction and volar plating through anterior approach for distal radius fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS We retrospectively analysed that 19 distal radius fracture, which would not be reduced by closed reduction or too comminuted to maintain reduction or articular surface incongruency, were treated by open reduction and volar plating through anterior approach. The results were evaluated by preoperative and immediate postoperative radiographics and clinical results were analysed using Green and O'Brien scoring system at final follow up. RESULTS All cases achieved anatomical articular surface reduction postoperatively. In terms of radiologic analysis, mean radial length (8.8 mm +/-4.8 mm vs. 11 mm +/-3 mm), radial inclination (15 degrees+/-5.7 degreesvs. 20degrees+/-5degrees), volar tilt (-11 degrees+/-13 degrees vs. 7 degrees+/-4 degrees) and ulnar plus variant (4 mm+/-3 mm vs. 0 mm+/-1 mm) were improved. The clinical evaluation revealed 9 excellent cases, 7 good cases, 2 fair cases and 1 poor case. The reduction loss and flexor pollicis longus rupture was occurred in one patient, who had severely displaced comminute fracture in initial injury. CONCLUSION Using volar plating, authors gain good radiologic and clinical results. But, additional external fixation is recommended to prevent further collapse in severly comminuted fractures.
Citations
Citations to this article as recorded by
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 Journal of the Korean Fracture Society.2015; 28(1): 46. CrossRef