Intra-articular distal radius fractures: Postoperative roentgenographic and functional outcomes

Objective: To assess the outcome of volarlocking compression plate fixation for intra-articular distal radius fractures with respect to function of hand and roentgenographic parameters. Methods: The retrospective study was conducted at the Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, and comprised patients who underwent locking compression plate fixation for intra-articular distal radius fractures between June 2009 and July 2012. Case notes, radiographic assessment and functional outcomes were noted. Functional outcome was determined with the help of telephone-based quick-dash score questionnaire administered atleast 6 months post-surgery. Radiological assessment of radial inclination, radial height and volar tilt was measured on immediate postoperative radiographs and then again measured at last available follow-up which ranged from 4 to 116 weeks. Results: The mean age of the 43 patients in the study was 47.31±14.24 years (range: 20-95 years) at the time of injury. Mean Quick Dash score at 6-month follow-up was 17.2±8.8 (range: 4-40). The outcome was very good in 1(2.2%), good in 30(66.7%), satisfactory in 10(22.2%) and poor in 4(8.9%) patients. Mean immediate postoperative radial inclination, volar tilt and radial height were 17.26±3.23°, 7.6±3.87° and 10.2±1.95mm respectively. Corresponding values at the last follow-up were 17±3.89°, 7.67±4.28° and 9.8±1.8mm. Conclusion: Use of locking compression plate for intra-articular distal radius fracture showed good results comparable with global literature.