Results of surgical treatment for unstable distal end radius fractures with articular involvement in adults: Comparing with unlocked and locked anatomic plate fixation method

Purpose: Results of surgical treatment for unstable distal end radius fractures with articular involvement in adults as comparing with unlocked and locked anatomic plate by volar approach were evaluated.Material and Method: According to AO classification type C with 35 patient treated open reduction and two different volar plate fixation for distal end of the radius fractures retrospectively reviewed between January 2005 and May 2009. 27 (% 77) of patient were male and 8 (% 23) were famale and mean age was 40,4. All type C fractures were evaluated 16 (% 46) C1, 9(% 29) C 2, 10 (% 28) C3. SPSS 17 programe was used for statistical analyses of datas. Volar locked plate treatment was used for 13 patient in Group 1 and volar unlocked anatomic plated was used 22 patient in Group 2. The median follow-up period was 32 month (6-20). There were no statiscally differences in age, gender, fracture type among groups. In each group clinical findings and grip strength were assessed according to system of Gardland and Werley; radiologic findings were assesed according to scoring system of Knirk and Jupiter and radiological evaluation system of Steward et al.Results: Immobilization period was 6 weeks in Group 1 and 2 weeks in Group 2. At clinical examination of patient in last follow-up; when wrist and forearm range of joint motion compared; in Group 1 flexion; 75,3º, extension 74,6º, radial deviation 25º, ulnar deviation 39,2º, supination 73°, pronation 76°; in Group 2 flexion; 70,2º, extension 63º, radial deviation 21º, ulnar deviation 37,2º, supination 65°, pronation 65° (70°-90°). Grip strengths were in Group 1 % 81,7 and in Group 2 % 78,1. According to Gardland and Werley cilinically evaluation criters; excellent-good was % 86, fair was % 14 in group 1; excellent-good % 77, fair was % 23 in Group 2 respectively. According to radiological evaluation system of Steward et al. excellent-good were % 100; in Group 1 and % 91 in Group 2 respectively. Wrist range of motion and forearm rotation was similar statistically for 2 groups as were clinical scoring and grip strenght. The radiological measurment in last follow-up in Group 1 averaged 10,2mm radial lenght, 18,2º radial inclinacition, 4,4 volar tilt; in Group 2 averaged 11 mm radial lenght, 20,8º radial inclinacition, 9,4 volar tilt. Althought there was no statistically differences among groups, but in locked plate group radiological improvement was better.Conclusion: Treatment of complex distal end fractures of radius involment articular with volar unlocked or locked plate provide good functional results and late period follow up there were no difference in terms of functional and radiologic results among two method. Locked anatomic plates provide good radiologic correction because of including multiple screws with low profile and allow to early joint movement because of rigidity