Functional Outcome of Unstable Distal Radius Fracture with Dorsally Displaced Radial rim Treated with Volar Variable Angle Locking Compression Plate

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Distal radius is one of the common fracture sites of the human skeleton. Dorsally displaced distal radius fractures(DRFs) are the most common type of DRF.Materials and Methods: Two matched cohorts of 20 matched patients, one with a displaced dorsal rim fracture >2 mm (Group1), and the other without a dorsal rim fracture (Group 2) were analyzed in this study with volar variable angle locking compressionplate fixation for dorsally unstable DRFs.Results: No significant difference was found between the two groups in overall wrist function or wrist pain. The mean displacementof dorsal rims in Group 1 was 3.0 mm and the mean diameter of the retained articular portion of the dorsal articular wall was2.0 mm. No significant difference was found between the two groups in terms of any radiographic parameters or the arthriticgrading of radiocarpal joints.Conclusion: These results suggest that a displaced dorsal rim fracture does not adversely affect the outcomes after the volarvariable angle locking compression plate fixation of a dorsally displaced DRF, indicating that an additional dorsal approach isunnecessary for reducing a displaced dorsal rim fracture