Volar Locking Plate Compared With Combined Plating of AO Type C Distal Radius Fractures: A Randomized Controlled Study of 150 Cases

Abstract

Purpose: The optimal way to stabilize intra-articular distal radius fractures is unclear despite recent advances in surgical management. Volar plating is the most common treatment but may not be sufficient for more complex intra-articular AO type C fractures. The purpose of this randomized controlled study was to evaluate the radiographic and clinical outcomes following surgical treatment of AO type C distal radius fractures, comparing volar with combined plating.

Methods: In this study, 150 patients were randomized to volar locking plate (n = 75) or combined plating (n = 75) following a distal radius fracture AO type C. The 1-year follow-up included radiographic outcome (Batra score), visual analog scale pain score, hand grip strength, wrist range of motion, Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation score, and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score.

Results: Overall, 147 patients (median age 61 years) completed the 1-year follow-up (73 patients with volar plate and 74 with combined plating). No difference was found in radiographic outcome between the treatment groups. The volar plate group had significantly better Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation scores, Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores, hand grip strength, visual analog scale scores during activity, and flexion, extension, ulnar and radial deviation than the combined plate group. Hardware removal was performed in 10% in the volar plate group and in 31% in the combined plate group. There was no postoperative infection in the volar plate group but 3 cases in the combined plate group.

Conclusions: In patients with complex AO type C intra-articular fractures, volar and combined plating yielded the same radiographic result. The differences in Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores between the groups did not reach the thresholds for minimal clinically important differences, suggesting similar clinical outcome. The combined plating group had a considerably higher frequency of hardware removal and postoperative infections.

Type of study/level of evidence: Therapeutic I.

Keywords: Articular; distal radius fractures; dorsal plate; outcomes; trauma.