Wrist function recovers more rapidly after volar locked plating than after external fixation but the outcomes are similar after 1 year
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.3109/17453674.2011.552781Abstract
Background and purpose Promising results have been reported after volar locked plating of unstable dorsally displaced distal radius fractures. We investigated whether volar locked plating results in better patient-perceived, objective functional and radiographic outcomes compared to the less invasive external fixation. Patients and methods 63 patients under 70 years of age, with an unstable extra-articular or non-comminuted intra-articular dorsally displaced distal radius fracture, were randomized to volar locked plating (n = 33) or bridging external fixation. Patient-perceived outcome was assessed with the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaire. Results At 3 and 6 months, the volar plate group had better DASH and PRWE scores but at 12 months the scores were similar. Objective function, measured as grip strength and range of movement, was superior in the volar plate group but the differences diminished and were small at 12 months. Axial length and volar tilt were retained slightly better in the volar plate group. Interpretation Volar plate fixation is more advantageous than external fixation, in the early rehabilitation period.Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
Downloads
Published
2011-02-01
How to Cite
Wilcke, M. K. T., Abbaszadegan, H., & Adolphson, P. Y. (2011). Wrist function recovers more rapidly after volar locked plating than after external fixation but the outcomes are similar after 1 year. Acta Orthopaedica, 82(1), 76–81. https://doi.org/10.3109/17453674.2011.552781
Issue
Section
Articles
License
LicenseActa Orthopaedica (Scandinavica) content is available freely online as from volume 1, 1930. The journal owner owns the copyright for all material published until volume 80, 2009. As of June 2009, the journal has however been published fully Open Access, meaning the authors retain copyright to their work. As of June 2009, articles have been published under CC-BY-NC or CC-BY licenses, unless otherwise specified.