Bridge Versus Volar Plating Distal Radius Fractures in Patients With Concomitant Lower-Extremity Fractures

Purpose

Our objective was to determine if patients with a distal radius fracture and concomitant lower-extremity fracture benefit from bridge plating when compared with volar plating.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study evaluating distal radius fractures fixated by bridge or volar plating in orthopedic trauma patients with a concomitant lower-extremity fracture. Patients were prescribed a platform walker and followed for gait aid use and both upper and lower-extremity fracture-related outcomes.

Results

Differences in platform walker use, radiographic findings, and rates of complications for both distal radius and lower-extremity fractures were comparable between groups.

Conclusions

Although more studies are needed, it appears that this cohort of patient’s ability to mobilize using a gait aid is similar, regardless of the distal radius fracture fixation method. A concomitant lower-extremity fracture should not necessarily indicate bridge plating over volar plate fixation.

Type of study/level of Evidence

Therapeutic Study IV.