[Distal radius fractures. 2.4 mm locking compression plates. Are they worth the effort?]

Abstract

Fracture of the distal radius has a second peak of incidence in the second half of life. Because complex injuries are seen frequently, there is a need for differentiated treatment to achieve good results. The aim of our study was to evaluate the treatment of distal radius fractures with 2.4-mm locking compression (LC) plates in patients older than 65 years suffering from osteoporosis to determine the complications and compare costs of treatment with different interventions. Thirty-seven patients were included in this prospective study. The distribution of fractures according to AO classification was: nine type A, one type B, and 27 type C. The mean age was 76 years. Twenty-six volar plates, seven dorsal and four "sandwich" procedures were applied. The mean follow-up for 33 patients was 11.1 months. Using the functional Lidström score, we found 13 very good results, 15 good, four fair, and one poor, the radiologic Lidström scores were: 15 very good, 13 good, four fair, and one poor results. With the application of 2.4-mm LC plates, findings were good or very good in over 80%of osteoporotic distal radial fractures. Compared to other treatments, the real costs of intervention for LC plates is much higher.