Comparative Analysis of the Results of Fixed-angle versus Variable-angle Volar Locking Plate for Distal Radius Fracture Fixation

Seung-Do Cha; Jai-Hyung Park; Hyung-Soo Kim; Soo-Tae Chung; Jeong-Hyun Yoo; Joo-Hak Kim; Jung-Hwan Park

doi:10.12671/jkfs.2012.25.3.197

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Cha, Park, Kim, Chung, Yoo, Kim, and Park: Comparative Analysis of the Results of Fixed-angle versus Variable-angle Volar Locking Plate for Distal Radius Fracture Fixation

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Fracture Society

Journal of the Korean Fracture Society 2012; 25(3): 197-202.

Published online: 16 July 2012

DOI: https://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2012.25.3.197

Comparative Analysis of the Results of Fixed-angle versus Variable-angle Volar Locking Plate for Distal Radius Fracture Fixation

Seung-Do Cha, M.D., Jai-Hyung Park, M.D., Hyung-Soo Kim, M.D., Soo-Tae Chung, M.D., Jeong-Hyun Yoo, M.D., Joo-Hak Kim, M.D., Jung-Hwan Park, M.D.

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Myong-Ji Hospital, Kwandong University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea.

Address reprint requests to: Joo-Hak Kim, M.D. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Myung-Ji Hospital, Kwandong University College of Medicine, 55, Hwasu-ro 14beon-gil, Deogyang-gu, Goyang 412-270, Korea. Tel: 82-31-810-6531, Fax: 82-31-810-6537, hand0123@kd.ac.kr

Received 3 October 2011 Revised 2 November 2011 Accepted 11 March 2012

Abstract

Purpose

To compare the outcomes of distal radius fractures in a fixed-angle volar locking plate group and variable-angle volar locking plate group.

Materials and Methods

Forty-one patients observed at least 6 months after surgery were included in this retrospective study. We used the range of motion, visual analogue scale score, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire score, and radiologic findings to measure the clinical results.

Results

No differences in clinical results or radiologic results were noted between the fixed-angle volar locking plate group and variable-angle volar locking plate group.

Conclusion

We believe that it is important to minimize complications by using appropriate screws and plates according to the fracture type, though no differences in the surgical outcome were noted between the fixed-angle volar locking plate group and variable-angle volar locking plate group with distal radius fracture.

Keywords: Distal radius, Fixed-angle volar locking plate, Variable-angle volar locking plate

Figures and Tables

Fig. 1

Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the left wrist.

(A) Anteroposterior and lateral radiograph showing type of extra-articular fracture of the distal radius and ulna, AO type A3.

(B) Anteroposterior and lateral radiograph showing reduction and stabilization with variable-angle locking compression plate for the radius and locking compression plate for the ulna.

(C) At post-operative 29 days, reduction loss and metal failure occurred.

(D) Revision with fixed-angle locking compression plate with a long shaft for a radius.

Table 1

Summary of cases

FA-LCP: Fixed-angle locking plate group, VA-LCP: Variable-angle locking plate group, F/U: follow-up.

Table 2

(A) Functional outcomes of AO type A distal radius fracture

FA-LCP: Fixed-angle locking plate group, VA-LCP: Variable-angle locking plate group, DASH: Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand Questionnaire, ROM: Range of motion, flex-ext: Flexion-extension, sup-pro: Supination-pronation.

Table 3

Complications

FA-LCP: Fixed-angle locking plate group, VA-LCP: Variable-angle locking plate group.

Table 4

(A) Radiologic outcomes of AO type A distal radius fracture

FA-LCP: Fixed-angle locking plate group, VA-LCP: Variable-angle locking plate group.

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