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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2011 Feb;82(1):76-81.
doi: 10.3109/17453674.2011.552781. Epub 2011 Feb 1.

Wrist function recovers more rapidly after volar locked plating than after external fixation but the outcomes are similar after 1 year

Maria K T Wilcke  1 , Hassan Abbaszadegan, Per Y Adolphson
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Wrist function recovers more rapidly after volar locked plating than after external fixation but the outcomes are similar after 1 year

Maria K T Wilcke et al. Acta Orthop. 2011 Feb.

Abstract

Background and purpose: Promising results have been reported after volar locked plating of unstable dorsally displaced distal radius fractures. We investigated whether volar locked plating results in better patient-perceived, objective functional and radiographic outcomes compared to the less invasive external fixation.

Patients and methods: 63 patients under 70 years of age, with an unstable extra-articular or non-comminuted intra-articular dorsally displaced distal radius fracture, were randomized to volar locked plating (n = 33) or bridging external fixation. Patient-perceived outcome was assessed with the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaire.

Results: At 3 and 6 months, the volar plate group had better DASH and PRWE scores but at 12 months the scores were similar. Objective function, measured as grip strength and range of movement, was superior in the volar plate group but the differences diminished and were small at 12 months. Axial length and volar tilt were retained slightly better in the volar plate group.

Interpretation: Volar plate fixation is more advantageous than external fixation, in the early rehabilitation period.

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Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.
Flow chart of the patients.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.
Radiological measurements: axial shortening (a), dorsal angulation (b), and radial angulation (c).
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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