Functional and radiological outcomes in 2.7-mm volar locking compression plating in distal radius fractures

BACKGROUND: Bio-mechanical studies have shown volar locking compression plates (LCPs) to have higher rigidity and stability as compared to traditional plates, but lacunae exists with regard to the use of 2.7-mm volar LCP. AIMS: The aim was to prospectively assess the postoperative functional and radiological outcomes in a 2.7-mm fixed-angle volar LCP , to analyze factors influencing the functional and radiological outcomes, and to correlate patient's perception of recovery with the radiological outcome. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This was a descriptive study with a prospective longitudinal study design conducted at a tertiary care hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty patients who underwent fixation of distal radius fracture with a 2.7-mm fixed-angle buttress-type volar LCP were followed up for functional and radiological outcomes at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months after surgery using standardized scoring systems. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS: Descriptive statistics was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: Use of 2.7-mm fixed-angle volar LCP was found to have good to excellent functional and radiological outcome in majority of the cases. A significant correlation existed between the functional and radiographic outcome. Patient-rated wrist evaluation had a significant inverse correlation with the radiological outcome. We did not find any significant association of the functional or radiological outcome with age, sex, dominance of the injured hand, and the fracture type. The fracture reduction achieved in the immediate postoperative period was maintained throughout the follow-up duration. CONCLUSION: This study effectively demonstrates the optimal results in terms of postoperative functional and radiological outcomes with the use of 2.7-mm volar locking plate for distal radius fracture fixation.