Complications of Volar Versus Low-Profile Dorsal Plating of Distal Radius Fractures

Distal radius fractures are one of the most common injuries of the upper extremity. Although nonsurgical management is common, surgical intervention, particularly using volar and dorsal plate fixation, is essential in a subset of injuries. Historically, dorsal plates were avoided due to a high rate of extensor tendon irritation and rupture. Volar locking plates were developed in the early 1990s and first published in 2000 to avoid the complications associated with dorsal plating and have since become widely considered the workhorse for most distal radius fractures. Despite advancements, both fixation methods are still associated with complications, warranting careful selection based on fracture patterns. The purpose of this review is to summarize the most recent literature on the complications associated with the use of volar and low-profile dorsal distal radius plates.