Purpose: The advent of locking compression plate (LCP) has provided convenient and secure fixation of distal ulna fractures. This study was performed to evaluate the functional and clinical outcomes following LCP distal ulna plate fixation of irreducible or unstable distal ulna fractures with concomitant distal radius fractures.
Methods: Retrospective review of 17 patients who had been treated with LCP distal ulna plates for distal ulna fractures was performed. The average age of the patients was 58.9 years (range 21-87 years), and the mean follow-up period was 15 months (range 12-20 months). This study consisted of eleven fractures involving metaphysis and six ulna styloid base fractures. Fracture union, radiologic parameters, stability of the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ), and functional outcomes, including ROM, grip strength, and functional scores were evaluated.
Results: All patients showed bony union, the average radial height was 10.5 mm, and the ulnar variance was 0.8 mm on final radiographs. None of the patients had instability of the DRUJ compared with the opposite wrist, and the subluxation ratio was within normal range on the follow-up CT scan. There were 6 excellent and 11 good cases according to Sarmiento's modified wrist score at the last follow-up.
Conclusions: Locking compression plate distal ulna plate fixation of irreducible or unstable distal ulna fractures after stabilization of concomitant distal radius fractures showed favorable results in union, alignment, and functional outcomes and therefore could be one of the recommendable implant options for distal ulna fractures.