DOI: 10.36347/sjams. 2015.v03i09.057

Pages: 3424-3429

Introduction: Distal radial fractures are treated with a variety of techniques. ORIF is indicated to address the unstable distal radius fractures and those with articular incongruity that cannot be anatomically reduced and maintained through other techniques. The patients can be mobilized early and potentially reducing wrist stiffness. Objective: To assess the clinical and functional outcome of fracture distal radius treated with volar locking plate and to observe the complications associated with volar locking plate of distal radius. Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out at Department of Orthopedic Surgery, BSM Medical University, Dhaka, Bangladesh from December 2013 to December 2014. In this study 50 patients with distal radius fractures and were operated with a volar locking compression plate using a volar Modified Henry’s approach. The patients were regularly followed up at six weeks, three months and six months, one year following the surgery and were evaluated clinically and radiologically. Final outcome was evaluated by QUICK DASH evaluation questionnaire. Results: There are 20 males and 30 females with an average age of 41.2 years. At the end of one year the functional outcome based on Quick DASH score was excellent in 80% of the patients and while good outcomes were noted among 20% of patients, no Poor results. A total of four complications, 2 cases of stiffness and 2 cases of extensor pollicis longus tendon irritation occurred. Conclusion: A satisfactory functional and radiological outcome can be obtained for a great majority of patients with most of the distal radius fractures including complex intra-articular fractures by using a volar locking plate fixation and the overall complication rate was low.