Abstract
Internal fixation with volar locking plates has revolutionized the treatment of distal radius fractures. Manufacturers have introduced plate designs that closely follow the anatomy of the distal radius. However, use of volar plates has also led to the emergence of new types of complications. While the use of monoaxial or polyaxial locking screws and of minimally invasive techniques (arthroscopy, preservation of pronator quadratus) increases the cost of the surgical procedure, it results in a tangible benefit for patients, allowing them to move their wrist almost immediately after surgery and to quickly regain their autonomy. We reviewed the literature to analyze the level of proof.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Koval KJ, Harrast JJ, Anglen JO, Weinstein JN (2008) Fractures of the distal part of the radius. The evolution of practice over time. Where’s the evidence? J Bone Joint Surg Am 90:1855–1861
Grewal R (2012) Acute management of distal radius fractures. In: Bhandari M (ed) Evidence-based orthopedics. Wiley, New York, pp 913–922
MacDermid JC, Grewal R (2012) Prognosis, pain and disability after distal radius fracture. In: Bhandari M (ed) Evidence-based orthopedics. Wiley, New York, pp 923–929
Carter PR, Frederick HA, Laseter GF (1998) Open reduction and internal fixation of unstable distal radius fractures with a low-profile plate: a multicenter study of 73 patients. J Hand Surg Am 23:300–307
Rikli DA, Regazzoni P (1996) Fractures of the distal end of the radius treated by internal fixation and early function. A preliminary report of 20 cases. J Bone Joint Surg Br 78:588–592
Peine R, Rikli DA, Hoffmann R, Duda G, Regazzoni P (2000) Comparison of three different plating techniques for the dorsum of the distal radius: a biomechanical study. J Hand Surg Am 25:29–33
Hahnloser D, Platz A, Amgwerd M, Trentz O (1999) Internal fixation of distal radius fractures with dorsal dislocation; plate or two 1/4 plates? a prospective randomized study. J Trauma 47:760–765
Gesensway D, Putnam MD, Pl Mente, Lewis JL (1995) Design and biomechanics of a plate for the distal radius. J Hand Surg Am 20:1021–1027
Cochran GVB (1993) A primer of orthopaedic biomechanics. Churchill Livingstone, New York, pp 143–216
Obert L, Vichard P, Garbuio P, Tropet Y (2001) Ostéosynthèse des fractures du radius distal par plaque postérieure: avantages et inconvénients. Chir Main 20:436–446
Letsch R, Infanger M, Schimdt J, Koch HJ (2003) Surgical treatment of fractures of the distal radius with plates: a comparison of palmar and dorsal plate position. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 123:333–339
Finsen V, Asaheim T (2000) Initial experience with the forte plate for dorsally displaced distal radius fractures. Injury 31:445–448
Bahm J, Faye N, Nonnenmacher J (1994) Surgical treatment of fractures of the distal radius—a closed therapy concept. Initial results with the bowl osteosynthesis. Chirurg 65:999–1003
Orbay JL, Fernandez DL (2002) Volar fixation for dorsally displaced fractures of the distal radius: a preliminary report. J Hand Surg Am 27:205–215
Obert L, Rey PB, Uhring J, Gasse N, Rochet S, Lepage D, Serre A, Garbuio P (1993) Fixation of distal radius fractures in adults: a review. Orthop Traumatol Surg Res 99(2):216–234
Egol KA, Kubiak EN, Fulkerson E, Kummer FJ, Koval KJ (2004) Biomechanics of locked plates and screws. J Orthop Trauma 18:488–493
Levin SM, Nelson CO, Botts JD, Teplitz GA, Kwon Y, Serra-Hsu F (2008) Biomechanical evaluation of volar locking plates for distal radius fractures. Hand 3:55–60
Trease C, Mc Iff T, Toby EB (2005) Locking versus nonlocking T-plates for dorsal and volar fixation of dorsally comminuted distal radius fractures: a biomechanical study. J Hand Surg Am 30:756–763
Koh S, Morris RP, Patterson RM, Kearney JP, Buford WL, Viegas SF (2006) Volar fixation for dorsally angulated extra-articular fractures of the distal radius: a biomechanical study. J Hand Surg Am 31:771–779
Drobetz H, Bryant AL, Pokorny T, Spitaler R, Leixnering M, Jupiter JB (2006) Volar fixed-angle plating of distal radius extension fractures: influence of plate position on secondary loss of reduction—a biomechanic study in a cadaveric model. J Hand Surg Am 31:615–622
Koshimune M, Kamano M, Takamatsu K, Ohashi H (2005) A randomized comparison of locking and non-locking palmar plating for unstable Colles’ fractures in the elderly. J Hand Surg Br 30:499–503
Huard S, Blanchet N, Leclerc G, Rochet S, Lepage D, Garbuio P, Obert L (2010) Fractures of the distal radius in patients over 70 years old: volar plates or K-wires? Chir Main 29:236–241
Herron M, Faraj A, Craigen MA (2003) Dorsal plating for displaced intra-articular fractures of the distal radius. Injury 34:497–502
Arora R, Lutz M, Deml C, Krappinger D, Haug L, Gabl M (2011) A prospective randomized trial comparing nonoperative treatment with volar locking plate fixation for displaced and unstable distal radial fractures in patients sixty-five years of age and older. J Bone Joint Surg Am 7(93):2146–2153
Loisel F, Bouilloux X, Uhring J, Rochet S, Obert L (2015) Early postoperative improvements in the QuickDASH score after distal radius fracture are related to the type of surgical treatment. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 25:865–869
Voigt C, Lill H (2006) What advantages does volar plate fixation have over K-wire fixation for distal radius extension fractures in the elderly? Unfallchirurg 109(845–6):8–54
Drobetz H, Koval L, Weninger P, Luscombe R, Jeffries P, Ehrendorfer S, Heal C (2016) Volar locking distal radius plates show better short-term results than other treatment options: a prospective randomised controlled trial. World J Orthop 18(7):687–694
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Ethics declarations
Conflict of interest
One of the co-authors has no conflicts of interest directly related to this article, but has conflicts of interest with the following companies: FX solutions, Zimmer Biomet, Medartis, Evolutis, Wright, Lilly, Elsevier, Springer
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Loisel, F., Kielwasser, H., Faivre, G. et al. Treatment of distal radius fractures with locking plates: an update. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 28, 1537–1542 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-018-2274-z
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-018-2274-z