Bridging Plate In Comminuted Fracture Distal Radius.

Background: The distal radius is the most commonly fractured bone in adults, constituting a substantial portion of emergency department and orthopedic caseloads. Numerous surgical interventions for distal radius fractures have been delineated, such as external fixation, percutaneous pinning, plating, and spanning internal fixation. High-energy distal radius fractures characterized by radial diaphysis extension and articular surface comminution pose significant challenges for the handling surgeon. In recent years, internal distraction plating has been introduced, mitigating some of the adverse outcomes associated with external fixation. Patients and Methods: The aim of the work was to prospectively study the functional and radiological outcomes of bridging plate in AO type C3 fractures of distal end of radius. Participants were followed-up monthly till 3 months then every 3 months till 12 months following surgery. Follow-up included X-rays imaging, CT and functional evaluation utilising modified mayo score. Results: Clinical assessment by modified mayo score. At 12 months post removal of plate, extension and flexion of the wrist averaged 62° and 71° correspondingly. Supination and pronation averaged 70° and 67°, correspondingly. Grip strength averaged 72% of that on the other side. That rises to 87% following 6 months. Modified Mayo scoring was fair in 1 (5%) patient, good in 3 (15%) patients and excellent in 16 (80%) patients. It was satisfactory in 19 (95%) patients and unsatisfactory in 1 (5%) patient. Conclusions: Internal distraction plating is a straightforward, efficient, dependable, and more appropriate therapeutic approach for comminuted distal end radius fractures.