Comparison of Clinico-Radiological and Functional Outcome of Intra Articular Distal End Radius Fractures Managed by Volar Locking Plate versus External Fixation: An Observational Prospective Study

Background: The most frequent fractures in the upper limb are distal end radius (DER) fractures. Intra-articular fractures can be treated by percutaneous pinning, closed reduction and external fixator application, or open reduction and internal fixation using a volar locking plate. Comparing the functional results of external fixation and volar locking plates was the aim of our investigation. Methods: This prospective study was conducted at Department of Orthopaedics, SKMCH, Muzaffarpur, and Bihar from March 2022 to February 2023 on 46 patients with intra articular distal end radius fractures. Of them, 20 were controlled by an external fixator, while 26 were controlled by a volar locking plate. The radiographic parameters and range of motion attained after surgery were used to compare the outcomes of the two groups. The Gartland-Werley scale and the DASH score were used to assess the functional result. Results: Patients treated with a volar locking plate (VLP) had superior grip strength and final range of motion as compared to those treated with an external fixator (EF). Radiographically, the VLP group outperformed the EF group in terms of volar tilt and radial height. Conclusion: In comparison to external fixators, we found that VLP is a better way to keep reduction going until union occurs and avoids fracture collapse in intra-articular distal end radius fractures. Consequently, the functional and radiological results are superior to those of the external fixator.