OPEN FIXATION OF DISTAL RADIUS FRACTURES: OUR EXPERIENCE

Distal radius fractures are the most frequent lesions encountered during clinical practice. They have been treated with close reduction and plaster cast immobilization for long time. Actually, many authors emphasized the importance of anatomical reduction and surgical stabilization of the fracture. Internal fixation with plates is the gold standard for displaced extra-articular and intra-articular distal radial fractures. Stable internal fixation permits early motion of the wrist and of the surrounding joints and allows better functional rehabilitation of the wrist-hand complex. Between April 2006 and June 2010 we treated 77 distal radius fractures by open reduction and internal fixation using titanium low-profile angular stability volar plate. On the 15th day we started a gradual articular mobilization. The patients underwent follow-up at 1 and 3 months from the surgery and were examinated by radiographs. Functional outcomes were documented measuring the range of movement and the grip strength and by Gartland-Werley demerit point scoring system modified Sarmiento, the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) and the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) questionnaire. Our results show a good recovery of range of movement and grip strength without pain. Open reduction and internal fixation with low profile angular stability volar plates represent an efficient and safe procedure to treat distal radius fractures. Stable reduction permits early mobilization strongly required for good functional outcomes