%0 Journal Article
%T Mid-term functional outcome after the internal fixation of distal radius fractures
%A Joideep Phadnis
%A Alex Trompeter
%A Kieran Gallagher
%A Lucy Bradshaw
%A David S Elliott
%A Kevin J Newman
%J Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Research
%D 2012
%I BioMed Central
%R 10.1186/1749-799x-7-4
%X 180 patients with 183 fractures and a mean age of 62.4 years were followed up retrospectively at a mean of 30 months (Standard deviation = 10.4). Functional assessment was performed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and modified MAYO wrist scores. Statistical analysis was performed to identify possible variables affecting outcome and radiographs were assessed to determine time to fracture union.The median DASH score was 2.3 and median MAYO score was 90 for the whole group. Overall, 133 patients (74%) had a good or excellent DASH and MAYO score. Statistical analysis showed that no specific variable including gender, age, fracture type, post-operative immobilisation or surgeon grade significantly affected outcome. Complications occurred in 27 patients (15%) and in 11 patients were major (6%).This single centre large population series demonstrates good to excellent results in the majority of patients after volar locking plate fixation of the distal radius, with complication rates comparable to other non-operative and operative treatment modalities. On this basis we recommend this mode of fixation for distal radius fractures requiting operative intervention.Fractures of the distal radius are common [1-3]. Increasing incidence of these injuries may be attributed to an ageing population (osteoporotic fractures) and the growing participation in outdoor pursuits (higher energy fractures) [4,5]. Various operative and non-operative modalities are available for treatment, but there remains controversy as to the optimal method for a given patient and fracture type [2,3]. Volar locking plate fixation has become increasingly popular, especially in patients with osteoporotic bone and this is reflected by the number of implants available on the market [6]. Despite this there are few long term, comparative or large cohort studies looking specifically at the functional outcome after volar locking plate fixation.The aim of this study was to review a large gro
%K Distal Radius
%K Fracture
%K Internal fixation: functional outcome
%U http://www.josr-online.com/content/7/1/4