Clinical effect of volar locking compression plate fixation for unstable distal radius fractures in the elders

OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical effect of volar locking compression plate fixation for unstable distal radius fractures in the elders. METHODS 52 elderly patients with fresh unstable distal radius fractures who diagnosed by standard wrist, lateral X-ray examination from May 2009 to May 2010 were treated by volar fracture open reduction and volar locking compression plate fixation. Swelling, antibiotics, calcium supplementation, exercise and other active and passive functional exercise were taken for postoperative treatment. The effects were evaluated preliminarily by comparing and analyzing the volar tilt, ulnar inclination, radius shortening and wrist function. RESULTS The volar tilt and ulnar inclination were (19.4 ° ± 10.8 °), (1.6 ° ± 3.8 °) respectively, radius shortening (6.6 ± 1.0) mm before treatment; and the volar tilt and ulnar inclination were respectively (8.1 ° ± 1.6 °) , (17.8 ° ± 6.0 ° ) , and radius shortening was basically corrected. Followed up for 18 months, 31 cases achieved excellent results, 18 cases achieved good results, and 3 cases achieved fair results, according to Dienst standard. The overall satisfactory rate was 94.2%. There were no complications such as median neuritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, nonunion and so on. CONCLUSION Volar locking compression plate fixation is a safe and effective treatment for unstable distal radius fractures in the elders.