Radiological and Clinical Outcome of Volar Barton Distal Radius Fractures Treated by Variable Angle Volar Locking- Plates (Chinese Version)

Abstract

Background: To evaluate the functional and
radiological results of treating volar Barton fractures
of the distal radius with the variable Angle Volar
Locking Plates (Chinese version).
Methods: In this prospective study patients(n=50),
of volar Barton fractures, which were fixed with
Variable Angle Volar Locking Plates (Chinese
version) were evaluated. Short arm back splint was
applied . Volar approach was used for distal radius.
After sweeping away the FPL muscle belly and
retracting it ulnarly, pronator quadratus was exposed
and released from its radial attachment in L shaped
fashion using scalpel. Under direct visualization and
with the aid of fluoroscopy, the fracture was then
reduced. Plate was initially secured proximally with
a 3.5-mm cortical screw in the oval hole of plate.
Distal fixation with locking screws was then
performed while maintaining the reduction.
Radiological outcome (residual dorsal angulation,
radial shortening and loss of radial inclination) was
assessed according to Lidstorm criteria and clinical
outcome was done using Mayo score .
Results: Forty five cases were caused by road traffic
accident and five cases were of domestic fall.
Majority (n=28) sustained B3.1. Majority of the
patients were operated within the first week of
injury (60%). Mean time for radiological union was
08 weeks (6-12 weeks).Duration of hospital stay
ranged from 2 to 3 days. Forty-six patients had
excellent functional score at the end of six months.
Forty-three patients (86%)had volar tilt in the range
of 6-11 degrees and 2 patients (4%) had volar tilt in
the range of 11-15 degree.Radiologically 96%
patients had excellent to good results.
Conclusion: Volar Barton fracture are best treated
with osteosynthesis using variable angle volar
locking plates