Volar locking compress plate fixation for unstable distal radial fracture in elderly patients

Objective To study and analyze volar locking compress plate(LCP) fixation for unstable distal radial fracture in elderly patients.Methods A retrospective analysis involving 28 patients with unstable distal radial fractures was performed and volar LCP were used in these patients.Sarmiento scale was used to measure the imageologic parameters of fracture(volar tilt,radial inclination,articular setoff,radial shortening) before and after operation,and Gartland-Werley functional assessment system was used to estimate wrist function after operation.Results All the patients were followed up from 6 to 17 months(average 8.6 months).Through Sarmiento scale and Gartland-Werley functional assessment system,imageologic parameters were improved remarkablely,and excellent-good rate was achieved in wrist function after operation.Conclusions Volar LCP fixation is an effective method for unstable distal radial fracture in elderly patients.