Surgical treatment of volarly displaced intra - articular fractures of the distal end of the radius

ABSTRACT

Intra-articular fractures of the distal end of radius that are characterized by volar displacement of part of the articular surface are uncommon and tend to be associated with high velocity trauma. In this study, the results of operative treatment of 30 volar intra- articular fractures of the distal end of the radius were evaluated. According to the comprehensive classification of fractures of the long bones [Mueller et al., 1990], there were 6 cases type B 3-1, 14 patients type B 3-2 and 10 patients type B3-3. All cases were treated operatively by open reduction and internal fixation by small T plate. In ten comminuted cases of type B 3-3, external fixator and iliac graft were added. In five cases, K-wires were used. After an average follow up period of one year, there were seven excellent cases, nine good, nine fair and five with poor results according to the modified system of Green and O'Brien 1978. Accurate articular surface restoration was the most critical factor in achieving a successful outcome. Fair or poor results mainly occurred in type B 3-3 fractures characterized by comminution of the volar fragment