Orthopedic Trauma Directions 2011; 9(4): 1-7
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1267121
Clinical topic
© Georg Thieme Verlag KG Stuttgart · New York

Distal radial fractures

Volar locking plates versus regular external fixation
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
08 December 2011 (online)

Summary

Evidence from two small retrospective cohort studies suggests that functional outcomes may be slightly better after volar locking plates compared with regular external fixation for distal radial fractures. Over 2 to 3 years following fixation, one study found pain as measured by visual analog scale (VAS) was less and range of motion was significantly better for volar locking plates. However, only retrospective cohort studies were available, so conclusions cannot be regarded as definitive.