Background: Complex comminuted intraarticular fractures of the distal radius require anatomic restoration. In rare cases, this aim can only be achieved by a combined dorsal and volar plate fixation despite increasing experience with volar locking compression implants. This retrospective quality control study investigated functional, radiological and subjective outcomes of patients treated with this technique.
Methods: Between March 1999 and January 2003, 30 out of 360 patients who were operated on for an unstable distal radius fracture with complex C2/C3 type distal radius fractures at the Division of Trauma Surgery of the University Hospital Zurich, had been treated with a combined dorso-palmar plate fixation (dorsal two 1/4 tubular plates, volar 3.5 mm T-plate) and were included in this study (9 female, 21 male, mean age 52 years). Of the 30 patients 25 could be evaluated at an average of 29 months after injury.
Results: Anatomic reconstruction could not be achieved in all cases, 56% showed mild and 28% explicit signs of arthrosis. Flexion reached 66% and extension 75% of the contralateral wrist, whereas pronation reached 98% and supination 91%, respectively. Grip strength achieved 75% of that of the contralateral side and 10 patients (40%) developed a complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS). Return to work was possible 120 days after the injury.
Conclusion: With the dorso-palmar plate fixation joint reconstruction in complex intraarticular distal radius fractures can be achieved with a satisfactory subjective, functional, and radiologic result, although additional soft tissue injury was caused by the bilateral approach. The patient has to be informed of the high rate of CRPS and the long period of disability.