Original CommunicationsVolar fixation for dorsally displaced fractures of the distal radius: A preliminary report*,**
Section snippets
Materials and methods
From January 1, 1998, to December 31, 1998, we undertook a prospective study to evaluate the effectiveness of volar fixed-angle plate fixation of dorsally displaced unstable distal radial fractures in 2 institutions (Miami Hand Center, Miami, FL, and Lindenhof Hospital, Berne, Switzerland). The study was approved by corresponding institutional review boards, and informed consent was obtained from all patients. Criteria for study inclusion were a dorsally displaced fracture of the distal radius
Results
All cases were accounted for and had an average follow-up time of 12.5 months (range, 53–98 weeks). The average time to radiographic healing was 5.6 weeks (range, 5–8.2 weeks). Seventeen patients who were employed at the time of injury all were able to return to work within 16 weeks of injury. The remaining 12 patients, including 10 elderly patients (>65 years old) and 2 students, returned to their preinjury everyday activities. Nineteen patients attended physical therapy and 10 did
Discussion
The primary goal in treatment of unstable fractures of the distal radius is to achieve optimal restoration of the disrupted anatomy and allow quick return of hand function, while preventing secondary fracture displacement. If the fracture has a displaced intra-articular component, additional efforts to secure and maintain anatomic reduction of the joint surface should be undertaken. If these goals are achieved, better final functional results are to be expected. Early wrist motion has been
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The author or one or more of the authors have received or will receive benefits for personal or professional use from a commercial party related directly or indirectly to the subject of this article.
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Reprint requests: Jorge L. Orbay, MD, Miami Hand Center, 8905 SW 87 Ave, Suite 100, Miami, FL 33176.