Distal Radius Fractures Using Acu-Loc Volar Plate

Abstract

Objectives: We determined the radiographic outcome of distal radius fractures with Acu-Loc® volar plate. Methods: Forty-one patients were recruited between August 2009 and September 2010. There were 10 males and 31 females, with a mean age 61.2. Fractures were radiologically classification the Frykman. Fifteen fractures were group 8, eight were group 7, ten were group 6, four were group 5 and four were group 3. Distal part of the fractures was dorsally inclined in 37 wrists and inclined to volar side in four wrists. Lateral and anteroposterior radiographs taken after operated day, the fracture were compared with radiographs of the injured wrist and the differences in palmar tilt, ulnar variance; radial height; radial shift and radial inclination were measured. Results: There was significant improvement in the measurements of radial height, radial inclination, volar tilt, ulnar variance and radial shift postoperatively. The radial height improved from an average of 8.5 mm (3-15mm) to 11.0 mm (8-15mm), the radial inclination improved from an average of 21.5 deg. (10-40deg.) to 28.1 deg. (19-44deg.), the palma tilt improved from an average of 12.9 deg. (6-22deg.) to 17.2 deg. (7-27deg.), the ulnar variance improved from an average of -2.3 mm (-6-4mm) to 1mm (-3-7mm) and the radial shift improved from an average of 18.7 mm (15-26mm) to 17.3 mm (12-21mm). Conclusion: Acu-Loc® volar plate is a safe and effective