Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Intra-articular Distal Radius Fracture by Buttress Plate: An Outcome Assessment

Abstract

This study aims to evaluate the surgery outcomes of distal radius fractures using open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) with buttress plate in our hospital. 200 patients were included with age above 18 years, having distal radius fractures and who were treated by ORIF buttress plate. The patients who had intraarticular distal radius fractures were included in this study. Data was collected from hospital records. Mean age of our patients was 38.5 ± 8.3 years. Patients were assessed functionally using Gartland and Werley point system and anatomically (radiologically) using Sarmiento’s modification of Lindstrom criteria. Among study participants, 140 patients had excellent restoration (70%), 20 patients had good restoration (10%) and the rest had fair restoration. There were some complications among patients like superficial infection and injury to superficial branch of radial nerve. In the follow up, we notice stiffness in one case with reduced range of movement of wrist and fingers.  In our study, we had good to excellent results in 80% cases, anatomically and functionally. We conclude from our study ORIF using buttress plate is the best method for managing displaced intra-articular distal radius fractures.