Abstract: Introduction: Fractures of lower end radius are most common fractures of the upper extremity, encountered in practice and constitute 17% of all fractures and 75% of all forearm fractures [1]. Open reduction and volar plating ensures more consistent correction of displacement and maintenance of reduction, this study evaluates the anatomical and functional outcome and complications of open reduction and plate fixation in the management of fracture distal end radius in thirty patients.
Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective and prospective study carried out on the patients with fractures of the distal end radius. Thirty patients with fractures of the distal radius were included in the study. Radiographic evaluation of the affected & the normal side was done at the time of injury. Fractures were classified as according to the AO Classification. The standard volar approach was undertaken to fix the fragments. The patients were followed up for minimum of 1 year. results were graded according to the Sarmiento's modification of Lind Strom Criteria [2] and demerit point system of Gartland and Werley with Sarmiento et al. modification.
Result:Anatomically 24 patients (80%) had excellent restoration of anatomy, 4 patients (13%) had good restoration and 2 had fair (7%) restoration of anatomy. Thus 93% patients had excellent to good alignment of fragments. Functionally 22 patients (73%) had excellent, 5 good (17%) and 3 patients had fair (10%) restoration of functions. Poor function correlated with residual displacement and poor patient compliance.
Conclusion: 93% anatomical and 90% functional, excellent to good results, suggests that stabilizing the fracture fragments with volar plate and screws in the management of the fractures of distal radius, is an effective method to maintain the reduction till union and prevent collapse of the fracture fragments, even when the fracture is grossly comminuted/intra-articular/unstable and/or the bone is osteoporosed.
