A Prospective Study to Evaluate the Clinical and Radiological Outcomes of Plating in Patients with Intra-Articular Distal end Radius Fracture

Background: Fractures of the distal radial end are one of the most common fractures of upper extremity. There is considerable debate regarding the best treatment approach for these fractures. Hence, this study was conducted to evaluate the functional and anatomical outcomes of volar plating for the treatment of distal radial fractures. Methods: This was a prospective study conducted at the department of orthopaedic at a tertiary care hospital in Western India for a duration of two years. All the patients with distal radial fracture belonging to age group of 50 to 70 years were included in the study after obtaining informed consent. Detailed history of trauma and demographic details were recorded. X-rays were taken to confirm the diagnosis and classify the type of fracture and degree of displacement or comminution was checked. A thorough pre-operative evaluation was conducted and open reduction with internal fixation using volar plate was performed. Physiotherapy exercises were prescribed. The outcomes were assessed at 6 weeks, three-, six- and 12-months post operation using DASH questionnaire and Sarmiento criteria for functional and anatomical outcomes, respectively. Descriptive statistics was used to describe the results. Results: A total of 50 patients were included in the study out of which 64% were male. The fracture was on right side in 70% patients. The main cause of fracture was fall on outstretched hand in 76% patients followed by road traffic accidents (RTA) in 24% patients. RTA was more common in males (91.6%) as compared to females. The most common type according to AO classification was C2 fracture (36%) followed by B3 (30%). In 86% of cases, fractures were healed within 3 months post surgery. 6 months follow up revealed that 72% patients had excellent results according to DASH score and 86% patients had excellent results based on sarmiento score. Poor result was not reported in any of the study participant. Conclusion: Volar locking plate is an effective method of fixation in individuals aged 50-70 years with distal radial end fracture, along with adequate immobilisation and routine physiotherapy exercises.