Intra-articular fracture distal end radius external fixation versus locking volar radius plate: A comparative study

Introduction: The purpose of the present study was to compare the results obtained by management of intra-articular fractures of distal end radius with closed reduction and external fixation versus open reduction and internal fixation with locking distal radius volar plate. Material and Method: The present study included 60 patients of distal intra-articular radius fractures. Patients were randomly divided into two groups: group I (close reduction and external fixator) and group II (open reduction and internal fixation with volar plating). Periodic clinical examination and x-ray review was carried out to find out functional outcome,range of motion, radiological outcome and complication. Patients were followed up for 6 month. Mean of all the quantitative variables was compared between two groups by unpaired 'T' test. Functional outcome was measured with Quick DASH score. Result: In present study palmer tilt,radial length and radial inclination was significantly greater in volar plate group.ulnar varience was more(-1.18mm) in volar plate group than external fixator group(-1.28mm). The mean QuickDASH scores and time to return to work were similar in patients treated with a locking plate and external fixator (QuickDASH score 2.4 ± 3.0 and 2.9 ± 5.4; 1.9 ± 0.5 months and 2.1 ± 0.7 months, respectively; P > 0.05).In present study Quick DASH score in ext fix group was 9.71 compaired to volar plating group 6.79 at the final followup. Complication rate were higher in close reduction and external fixation group as compared to open reduction and volar plating group. Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation with plate fixation had better functional outcome with less complication rate than close reduction and external fixation in management of intra-articular fractures distal end radius.