P. Ravi Shankar1, Y. Badrish2, K. Satish3, G. Suresh Babu4
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Incidence of fractures of distal radius are increasing due to more geriatric population and road traffic accidents and at the same time surgical treatment option for the same are modified continuously. The fundamental goal in the treatment of distal radial fractures is restoration of normal or near normal alignment and articular congruity.
METHODS: 24 patients with fracture of distal radius were selected who were admitted in S.V.R.R.G.G. Hospital, Tirupati between December 2011 and October 2013. Patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using volar plate through a volar approach and followed up till functional recovery and assessed clinico radiologically.
RESULT: The study comprised of 16 male and 8 female patients aged from 21 to 65 years with mean age of 39.25 years. The average duration from date of injury to date of surgery was 2.7 days. The follow up ranged from 6 to 14 months. Using the demerit scoring system of Gartland and Werley we had 41.6% excellent 50% good, 8.4% fair and 0 poor results.
INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSION: In selected patients, fixation of distal radial fractures with a volar plate has satisfactory outcome and may be considered as part of a surgeons armamentarium in the contemporary treatment for fractures of distal radius even in osteoporotic bones.
