A prospective study to assess the functional outcome of AO Type 23.B3 distal radius fractures treated with volar locking plate osteosynthesis

Abstract

To study and evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome of open reduction and volar locking plate fixation in AO Type 23B3 fracture of the distal end of radius. Method: 20 patients operated for AO Type 23B3 fracture of the distal end of radius were prospectively studied and the functional outcome were assessed using the Gartland-Werley functional scoring system. Result: The overall anatomical result using the criteria of sarmiento's modification of lidstrom's classification was fourteen patients (70%) with excellent results, four patients (20%) with good result and two patients with fair results (10%). Based on the functional criteria as described by Gartland and Werley the overall functional results were excellent in twelve patients (60%), good in 6 patient (30%) and fair in two patients (10%). In the present series grip strength was good in eighteen patients (90%) fair in two patients (10%). There were two patients (10%) with complications and eighteen patients (90%) who had no complications. Conclusion: AO Type 23B3 fracture of the distal end of radius has excellent outcome with volar locking plate fixation, which allows for a anatomical reduction and early mobilization. This improves the wrist function and final outcome significantly.