Background: The use of volar locked plates (VLP) has been become standard treatment of the majority of distal radius fractures. Nevertheless, adequate fixation for high energy comminuted fractures still a major challenge. Severely comminuted articular fractures are technically challenging where dorsal bridge plating (DBP) can be used as an improved fixation technique.
Objectives: The main objective of this prospective study is to compare the radiological and functional outcomes of DBP and VLP in comminuted distal radial fractures.
Patients and methods: Between 2022 and 2023, 19 patients with displaced, unstable fractures of the distal radius were randomized to receive either DBP or VLP.
Results: The mean age of DBP and VLP group was 38.2 and 39.1 years, respectively. The mean time to union was 2.6 ± 0.3 and 2.3 ± 0.2 months in the DBP and VLP, respectively (P > .05). Both fixation techniques demonstrated similar radial inclination, and radial height at last follow-up (P > .05). However, the volar tilt was significantly better in the VLP group compared to the DBP group (P = .001). No statistically significant difference was observed between groups in grip strength and wrist ranges of motion at final follow-up (P > .05).
Conclusion: This study showed better radiographic results of VLP compared to DBP. However, no technique demonstrated functional superiority at last follow-up.