R Meier1, C Krettek, C Probst. 1. Klinik für Schulterchirurgie, Rhön-Klinikum AG , Salzburger Leite 1, 97631, Bad Neustadt a.d. Saale, Deutschland. reinhard.meier@handchirurg.org
Abstract
BACKGROUND: How effective is open reduction and internal fixation with palmar locking plates compared to closed reduction and internal fixation with K-wires in the treatment of fractures of the distal radius? METHOD AND MATERIALS: A systematic review of the literature was performed for the years 2002 to 2012 to find controlled studies comparing K-wires and locking palmar plates. Follow-up, complications, functional results, radiographic results and peculiarities of the studies were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of five controlled studies could be found and additionally the data of one unpublished controlled prospective study were added. In two studies a better function (DASH) could be achieved following palmar locking plate osteosynthesis, in one study better results were found following K-wire osteosynthesis and three studies found no significant differences. Ulna variation was found to be better restored following palmar locking plate osteosynthesis in two, palmar inclination in two and radioulnar inclination in one study. There were 7.3% complications following palmar locking plate osteosynthesis compared to 20% following K-wire fixation; however, the complications following plate osteosynthesis were more severe. CONCLUSIONS: Palmar locking plates as well as K-wire fixation are suitable techniques for the treatment of fractures of the distal radius. The higher stability of locking plates seems to lead to an earlier functional recovery but this possible advantage disappears in the long-term follow-up.
BACKGROUND: How effective is open reduction and internal fixation with palmar locking plates compared to closed reduction and internal fixation with K-wires in the treatment of fractures of the distal radius? METHOD AND MATERIALS: A systematic review of the literature was performed for the years 2002 to 2012 to find controlled studies comparing K-wires and locking palmar plates. Follow-up, complications, functional results, radiographic results and peculiarities of the studies were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of five controlled studies could be found and additionally the data of one unpublished controlled prospective study were added. In two studies a better function (DASH) could be achieved following palmar locking plate osteosynthesis, in one study better results were found following K-wire osteosynthesis and three studies found no significant differences. Ulna variation was found to be better restored following palmar locking plate osteosynthesis in two, palmar inclination in two and radioulnar inclination in one study. There were 7.3% complications following palmar locking plate osteosynthesis compared to 20% following K-wire fixation; however, the complications following plate osteosynthesis were more severe. CONCLUSIONS: Palmar locking plates as well as K-wire fixation are suitable techniques for the treatment of fractures of the distal radius. The higher stability of locking plates seems to lead to an earlier functional recovery but this possible advantage disappears in the long-term follow-up.
Authors: Valdênia das Graças Nascimento; Antonio Carlos da Costa; Diego Figueira Falcochio; Leonardo Depiere Lanzarin; Sérgio Luiz Checchia; Ivan Chakkour Journal: Hand (N Y) Date: 2015-06-04