Radiological Assessment of Distal-End Radius Fracture Using Sarmiento's Modification of Lindstorm Criteria Following Fixation with 2.7 Mm Volar Locking Compression Plate

Abstract Introduction: Fractures of the distal end of the radius accounts to around 15 % of all fractures diagnosed and dealt with in the emergency rooms. In the phrases of Dr. Abraham Colles “This fracture takes place about an inch and a half of above the carpal extremity of the radius and there's a 17% lifetime chance for distal radius fractures”. The majority of these injuries are closed injury. Aim: To measure the radiological outcomes in patients with displaced distal radius fractures managed with 2.7 mm volar LCP fixation using Sarmiento’s Modification of Lindstorm Criteria. Materials and Methods: A descriptive study was conducted in BGSGIMS located in Bangalore. All displaced distal radius fractures of skeletally maturepatients who underwent volar locking plate fixation 2.7 mm volar locking compression plate fixation in the duration of November 2022 to October 2024. These 50 patients, who were admitted, operated and assessed at Department of Orthopedic Surgery, BGSGIMS HOSPITAL, Bangalore. X-rays of the wrist in the PA view and true lateral views, taken Pre-operatively, Immediate post-operative, Six weeks and Three months were assessed and classified based on AO and Melone’s classification. The radiological outcome was scored based on the Sarmiento’s Modification of Lindstorm Criteria. Results: The study comprised of 19 (38%) Females and 31 Males (62%). The mean age was 46.95 ± 13.93 years with range being 24-74 years. Fall either on an outstretched arm or from height was the most common mode of injury (65%). High energy trauma as a cause for distal radius fractures showed greater incidence in individuals <60 years. AO Type A2 was the most common fracture type encountered during this study. No statistically significant difference (p=0.93, 0.874, 0.716) in radial shortening, decrease in palmar angulation and loss ofradial deviation was seen till the final follow up. Majority had a Good outcome in 52% followed by excellent in 28 % .and fair in 20% using Sarmiento’s Modification of Lindstorm criteria. Conclusion: The fracture reduction achieved in the immediate postoperative period was maintained throughout the follow up duration. The use of 2.7 mm volar locking plate showed good to excellent postoperative radiological outcomes in majority of the cases. However, a randomized controlled study is necessary to successfully highlight the advantages of this plate over other methods of fixation.