Locking Plate Fixation in the Treatment of Comminuted Distal Radius Fracture in Young and Middle -Aged Patients

Objective To investigate the clinical features of distal radius fracture and the surgical outcomes of locking compression plate(LCP) in the treatment of comminuted distal radius fracture in young and middle-aged patients.Methods From February 2008 to June 2010,25 patients with comminuted distal radius fractures(20-50 years old) underwent the operation of open reduction and internal fixation with LCP,and early functional exercise were carried out.Results All the patients were followed up for 6-20 months(mean 12 months).Bone healing was obtained in all the patients with essentially normal Volar tilt,radial inclination,radial length and articular surface.The mean healing period was 44 days.The wrist activity achieved more than 80% of the normal 6 months after operation.One patient supervened with carpal tunnel syndrome,and no other complications were observed such as tendonitis,tendon rupture and traumatic arthritis.These clinical outcomes were evaluated according to Dienst grading: 13 patients were graded as excellent,3 were good and 1 was fair.Conclusion The distal radius fracture in young and middle-aged patients that usually resulted from the high-energy injury are mainly unstable fractures.Early open reduction and internal fixation with LCP could lead to satisfied clinical outcomes.