Results of distal radius fractures treatment depending on the used internal stabilization

Introduction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the results of patients’ surgical treatment with a fracture of the distal radius depending on type of internal stabilization used - locking and non-locking volar plating. Material and methods. The retrospective study the group of 46 patients (mean age 54 ± 37 years): 12 men and 34 women treated because of fractures of the distal radius was included. Because of the age and the injury nature, patients were divided into two groups: those under 50 years of age, in which the cause of fractures was high-energy trauma, or those over 50 years of age, who have occurred fracture due to a fall at the same level. Physical examination was performed, during which the range of motion and limb strength has been assessed. Moreover functional assessment using the MAYO (Mayo Wirst Scoring System) scale and DASH (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand) questionnaire was performed. Results. In the group of people under 50 years old treated with non-locking volar plates both abduction and adduction as the radially-metacarpal joint achieved a significantly higher mean value (p <0.05) compared with the test results in patients with locking volar plates. Similar results were obtained in patients above 50 years old of age treated with the same operations method. In this age group also demonstrated better results analyzing MAYO scale (p <0.05). Conclusion. Internal stabilization of distal radius fractures allows to obtain good results in the research and clinical functional limb. The better clinical results obtained after application of non-locking volar plates.