Functional and radiological comparison of volar locking plate and K-wire augmented volar locking plate fixation in intra-articular and comminuted distal radius fractures

Aim: This study aims to determine whether additional K-wires to volar plating impact the radiologic and functional outcomes of comminuted distal radius fractures (DRFs). Methods: Forty-two patients treated with either a volar locking plate or a K-wire augmented volar locking plate for intra-articular comminuted distal radius fractures (AO type C) between February 2008 and December 2014 at Haseki Hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Wrist range of motion and hand grip strength were recorded. Patients were evaluated using the Gartland-Werley scale, QuickDASH scale, and Mayo wrist score. Radiological assessments were based on wrist radiographs taken during the last follow-up. Results: No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of the range of motion of the affected wrist joint (all p values >0.05). Similarly, there were no statistically significant differences in the Mayo wrist score, Gartland-Werley score, QuickDASH scale, or Stewart score between the two groups (p=0.17, p=0.36, p=0.38, and p=0.35, respectively). At final follow-ups, radial length loss and radial tilt loss did not significantly differ in either group compared to the healthy side (p=0.98 and p=0.96, respectively). Conclusion: Given the potential complications associated with bridge external fixators and K-wires in treating comminuted distal radius fractures, volar locking plates can be safely used alone for managing these fractures.