Plate fixation with locking screw for distal fractures of the radius

Purpose of the study Fractures of the distal radius are common. No one implant has demonstrated superior efficacy in terms of maintaining the reduction over time. We report our experience with plate fixation using a locking screw. Material and methods Between September 2003 and June 2004, 67 displaced fractures of the distal radius were treated by plate fixation using the LCP-DRP 2.4 (Synthes(R)). Three different plates (anterior, posterior, and external) were used. The patients wore a removable anatomic brace for three weeks. Self-controlled rehabilitation exercises began directly after surgery with mobilization of the digital chains. The Fernandez, Castaing and AO classifications were noted. Ulnar variance, anteversion of the radial glenoid, radial slope and the alpha angle were measured intraoperatively and at last follow-up to assess maintenance of reduction over time. The DASH test and Green and O'Brien and PRWE scores were used to assess clinical outcome. Results Mean follow-up was eight months. Mean age was 55.8 years. Eight patients were lost to follow-up. The analysis included 59 patients who could respond to the questionnaires. Bone healing was achieved at six weeks. There were no cases of secondary displacement nor loss of reduction. The Green and O'Brien score was good or very good for 85%. The mean DASH was 20.6 and the mean PRWE 32.8. Discussion The appropriate fixation method for distal fractures of the radius remains a controversial issue, leading to a variety of materials and fixation methods. Primary stability achieved with the locking screw in a plate enables early mobilization associated with more rapid recovery of function. The absence of secondary displacement, irrespective of the quality of the underlying bone enabled us to achieve equivalent results in young patients and older patients with osteoporotic bone. This study also confirmed the preference for the anterior approach, irrespective of the direction of the displacement. To date, no other material has enabled equivalent results. This is a major achievement in terms of fixation stability.