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February 28, 2026Open Access

Advanced volar locking plate fixation for intra and extra articular distal radius fractures: a retrospective study

Key Points

To evaluate clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes of volar locking plate fixation in distal radius fractures.
Retrospective analysis of 34 patients treated with volar locking plates.
Follow-up duration averaged 24 months.
Outcomes assessed using DASH score, VAS for pain, ROM, and radiographic parameters.
Complications monitored and statistical analysis conducted.
Mean DASH score at final follow-up was 4.2 ± 1.8, indicating excellent recovery.
All patients reported complete pain relief with a VAS score of 0.
ROM restoration achieved 93-98% of contralateral wrist motion.
Radiographic evaluations showed 100% fracture consolidation.
Minimal complications, with only two patients reporting transient soft tissue discomfort.

Abstract

p style=font-size: medium; color: #000000; font-weight: 400;strongBackground/strong/p p style=font-size: medium; color: #000000; font-weight: 400;Distal radius fractures are among the most common orthopedic injuries, posing significant challenges due to their high prevalence and potential for long-term functional impairment. Volar locking plates have emerged as the gold standard for managing unstable and extra-articular fractures, offering superior outcomes compared to traditional methods. This study evaluates the clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes of volar locking plate fixation in 34 patients with intra and extra-articular distal radius fractures./p p style=font-size: medium; color: #000000; font-weight: 400;strongMethods/strong/p p style=font-size: medium; color: #000000; font-weight: 400;This retrospective study analyzed 34 patients treated for intra and extra-articular distal radius fractures with volar locking plates at a single orthopedic center. Patients were followed for a mean duration of 24 months (range: 12ndash;36 months)./p p style=font-size: medium; color: #000000; font-weight: 400;Outcomes were assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, range of motion (ROM), and radiographic parameters. Complications, including hardware-related issues and soft tissue irritation, were recorded. Statistical analysis compared preoperative and postoperative outcomes, with significance set at p lt; 0.05./p p style=font-size: medium; color: #000000; font-weight: 400;strongResults/strong/p p style=font-size: medium; color: #000000; font-weight: 400;The mean DASH score at the final follow-up was 4.2 plusmn; 1.8, reflecting excellent functional recovery. Pain relief was complete, with all patients reporting a VAS score of 0. ROM restoration was highly satisfactory, achieving 93ndash;98% of contralateral wrist motion. Radiographic evaluations confirmed 100% fracture consolidation with no cases of malunion or nonunion. Complications were minimal, with only two patients experiencing transient soft tissue discomfort, managed conservatively. No tendon irritation or hardware-related complications were observed./p p style=font-size: medium; color: #000000; font-weight: 400;strongConclusions/strong/p p style=font-size: medium; color: #000000; font-weight: 400;Volar locking plate fixation for intra and extra-articular distal radius fractures demonstrated excellent clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes in this cohort of 34 patients. The low-profile design and anatomical contouring of modern plates minimized complications while promoting effective pain relief and rapid functional recovery./p

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