Volar locking plate internal fixation and external fixator in repair of unstable distal radius fractures:randomized controlled trial
Li De-sheng
Li Hao-huan
Abstract：BACKGROUND:Unstable distal radius fractures are the most common fractures of the human skeleton. Although various methods have demonstrated good results, the choice of the best option remains controversial.
<br> OBJECTIVE:To investigate clinical outcomes, complications, and radiographic results of external fixation and open reduction and internal fixation with locking compression plate for repairing the unstable distal radius fractures using prospective randomized control ed method.
<br> METHODS:From September 2011 to September 2013, 122 patients with the unstable distal radius fractures were enrol ed in this prospective randomized study. These patients were randomized into two groups. The external fixation group (n=61) received closed reduction and external fixation. Plate group (n=61) received open reduction and internal fixation using a volar locking compression plate. Hospital days, fracture healing time, wrist function and complication rate were compared between the two groups. Quality of reduction was evaluated using imaging, including palmar angle, ulnar deviation, radial height and articular surface level.
<br> RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Fol ow-up time was 12-26 months in the external fixation group, and 12-28 months in the plate group. There was no significant difference in length of fol ow-up in both groups (P=0.300). Clinical outcomes and imaging results were compared after treatment in both groups. Hospital days, fracture healing time and postoperative recovery degree palmar angle were significantly larger in the plate group than in the external fixation group. No significant differences in ulnar deviation, radial height, wrist function, incidence of postoperative complications and articular surface level were detected between both groups (P>0.05). Above findings suggested that for unstable distal radius fractures, the use of external fixation or volar locking plate treatment, can obtain satisfactory clinical outcomes, but the external fixation has the advantages of a less invasive, shorter hospital days, minor complications, faster fracture union, which is particularly suitable for treatment of the distal radius fracture in the elderly.
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Publication Date：2015-01-01
Online Publishing Date：2025-08-15(First online date of this platform, not the publication date of the document)
Pages：6( 1429-1434 )