Retrospective cohort study of 41 patients treated with volar fixed-angle plating for unstable, dorsally displaced distal radius fractures. Evaluates functional outcomes (DASH, Gartland and Werley) and complication profile at mean 17-month follow-up, with a direct comparison to the authors' previously published dorsal plating cohort.
When treating unstable, dorsally displaced distal radius fractures with volar locking plates, expect good functional outcomes but a ~1-in-5 complication rate — specifically, watch for loss of reduction in highly comminuted patterns (especially lunate facet fragments) where volar fixed-angle constructs may be insufficient, and consider supplemental fixation or alternative strategies rather than routine volar plating for these subtypes.
Retrospective cohort study of 41 patients treated with volar fixed-angle plating for unstable, dorsally displaced distal radius fractures. Evaluates functional outcomes (DASH, Gartland and Werley) and complication profile at mean 17-month follow-up, with a direct comparison to the authors' previously published dorsal plating cohort.
When treating unstable, dorsally displaced distal radius fractures with volar locking plates, expect good functional outcomes but a ~1-in-5 complication rate — specifically, watch for loss of reduction in highly comminuted patterns (especially lunate facet fragments) where volar fixed-angle constructs may be insufficient, and consider supplemental fixation or alternative strategies rather than routine volar plating for these subtypes.