Radiologic Results in Accordance with the Number of Distal Locking Screws in Volar Plate Fixation for Distal Radius Fractures

Choi,  Hyun Chul; Lee,  Joo Yup; Jung,  Joon Young; Park,  Il Jung; Chung,  Yang Guk

doi:2014.19.3.124

Search: J Korean Surgery Hand Soc Search

CLOSE

Arch Hand Microsurg > Volume 19(3); 2014 > Article

Original Article

Journal of the Korean Society for Surgery of the Hand 2014;19(3):124-129.
Published online September 30, 2014.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12790/jkssh.2014.19.3.124

Radiologic Results in Accordance with the Number of Distal Locking Screws in Volar Plate Fixation for Distal Radius Fractures

Hyun Chul Choi, Joo Yup Lee, Joon Young Jung, Il Jung Park, Yang Guk Chung

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea. jylos1@gmail.com

Received: 19 July 2014 • Revised: 28 August 2014 • Accepted: 9 September 2014

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study was to determine whether the number of distal locking screws affected the final radiologic results after volar plate fixation for distal radius fractures.

Methods
We retrospectively identified 176 patients (male, 36; female, 140; average, 60 years) who had distal radius fractures treated with open reduction and volar plate fixation between 2011 and 2012. The number of screws used for distal fixation was determined according to the surgeon's preference and the type of plate used. Radiologic parameters and their displacements were measured postoperatively and at final follow-up. The results of using 4 or 5 distal locking screws were compared with those of using more than 6 distal locking screws.

Results
There was no significant displacement in fracture fragment when using 4 or 5 distal locking screws compared with using more than 6 distal locking screws. Mean displacement in ulnar variance was 0.6 mm in group with less than 5 screws, and the displacement was 0.4 mm in group with more than 6 screws (p=0.772). Secondary displacement was not correlated with fracture type or the number of distal locking screws. There was no fixation failure during the study period.

Conclusion
It seems that 4 or 5 distal locking screws are strong enough to prevent a significant loss of fracture reduction. Filling every distal screw hole is not recommended to limit cost and avoid extensor tendon complications.

TOOLS

PDF Links
Full text via DOI
Download Citation

Share :

METRICS

2 Crossref
1,298 View
7 Download

Related articles in Arch Hand Microsurg

External Fixation with Distraction for Distal Radius Fracture2002 December;7(2)

The Effect of Volar Locking Plate Leveraging on Restoring Volar Tilt of Distal Radius Fractures2019 March;24(1)

The Anterior-Posterior Diameter of Radial Shaft for Predicting Appropriate Length of Distal Screws in Volar Plating for Distal Radius Fractures2019 December;24(4)

Multiple Flexor Tendon Injuries after Volar Plate Fixation for Distal Radius Fracture: Two Cases Report2012 March;17(1)

Relationship between the Length of Distal Locking Screws and Diaphyseal Screws in Volar Plate Fixation of Distal Radius Fractures2013 September;18(3)

About

Article and topics

Article category

Browse all articles >

Topics

Browse all articles >

Browse articles

Editorial policies

For contributors

Editorial Office: St. Vincent’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, 93 Ji-dong, Paldal-gu, Suwon 16247, Korea
Tel: +82-31-249-7186 Fax: +82-31-254-7186 E-mail: journal@handmicro.org