Abstract: Distal end radius fracture is a common fracture seen in the routine orthopedic OPD. The optimal management of distal radius fractures remains controversial.
AIM: To compare functional outcomes following volar plating and K-wire fixation of distal end radius fractures and compare which method produced a better result. The functional outcome in terms of the range of movements, pain, and grip strength of the patients was assessed at 6 months in both groups by the demerit score system of Gartland and Werley.
Result: Functional outcome as per Gartland and Werley was 95% excellent to good results in the plating group as compared to 75% in the K-wire fixation group.
Conclusion: The study emphasizes that open reduction and internal fixation with volar plating have excellent functional outcomes when compared to K-wire fixation in distal radius fractures. When considering the cost, K-wire fixation is preferred over volar plating.
