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Volar plating of distal radius fractures using a locked anatomically contoured plate

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European Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery & Traumatology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Background

Distal radius fractures are the most common injury to present to orthopaedic fracture clinics. Displaced extra- or intra-articular fractures require reduction to allow a good outcome. Historically fractures were treated with manipulation and casting, with or without wire fixation. Modern plating techniques allow accurate reduction and internal fixation with early mobilisation.

Methods

Case series review of 40 distal radius fractures managed with the Orthofix volar plating system (VPS). We assessed radiological outcome, along with clinical data from hand therapy detailing our experience with this system providing the first reports of this particular implant in the literature.

Results

All cases were performed using a volar incision through the bed of FCR. Six cases were lost to follow up leaving a total of 34 wrists available for radiological review. On review of the postoperative radiographs at 6–8 weeks the mean volar tilt was 9.22° (0–16.5) and the mean radial inclination was 20.8° (3.3–30). We identified five patients with poor radiographic position. Patients referred for hand therapy (n = 22) demonstrated good clinical results at the 8–12-week follow up. The mean flexion extension arc was 113.5° (60–150) with a mean pronation supination arc of 164.9° (20–180). The mean grip strength was 47.4 lb (12–110).

Conclusions

The management of displaced distal radius fractures with a volar locking plate gives good radiological and functional outcomes in the short term.

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Acknowledgments

The authors would like to acknowledge the assistance of and thank C Potts BSc Hons, Senior hand therapist (OT) and K Murray Clinical specialist in hands (OT) Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust.

Conflict of interest statement

No funds were received in support of this study. No benefits in any form have been or will be received from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, Shropshire, UK

    Peter D. Gallacher & R. Gilbert

  2. Mid Staffordshire NHS Foundation Trust, Stafford, UK

    S. Memon & I. G. Bhoora

  3. 26 Winterton Way, Shrewsbury, SY3 5PA, UK

    Peter D. Gallacher

Authors
  1. Peter D. Gallacher
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  2. R. Gilbert
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  3. S. Memon
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  4. I. G. Bhoora
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Correspondence to Peter D. Gallacher.

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Gallacher, P.D., Gilbert, R., Memon, S. et al. Volar plating of distal radius fractures using a locked anatomically contoured plate. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 20, 11–15 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-009-0489-8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-009-0489-8

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