Volar locking compression plate combined with support stud technique for dorsally unstable distal radius fractures

Objective To explore the efficacy of volar locking compression plate(LCP)combined with support stud technique in treatment of dorsally unstable distal radius fractures.Methods From March 2008 to December 2011,forty-six patients with dorsally unstable distal radius fracture were treated with volar LCP combined with support stud technique.There were 15 males and31females,aged from36to80 years with the mean of 58 years.There were 19cases for type C1,18cases for type C2 and9cases for type C3according to AO classification criteria of fractures.The efficacy were evaluated according to Dienst wrist function score.Results All the patients were followed up form12to39 months(mean20 months)postoperatively,and the fractures were healing,no plate or screw loosening and breakage.The volar tilt angle increased from an average of-7.15°±5.77° to 8.12°±3.09°(P0.01),radial inclination angle increased from an average of 9.12°±6.39°to 21.69°±2.51°(P0.01).Three months after the operation,27cases were graded as excellent,16cases as good and3cases as fair according to Dienst wrist function score,the overall satisfactory rate was 93.5%.Conclusions Volar LCP fixation combined with support stud technique is a safe and effective method for treating the unstable distal radius fracture of type C.It is more beneficial for replacing,recovering the volar tilt angle and early function.