Management of unstable fractures of the distal end radius using bicolumnar radius plating

Background: Controversy still exists regarding the current treatment modalities for unstable distal radius fractures. A prospective study was performed to evaluate efficacy of bicolumnar plating (radial buttress and volar plating) technique, which is designed to providing sufficiently secure fixation treatment of distal radius fractures. Materials and Methods: The prospective randomized study was done under the department of orthopedics at SRG hospital Jhalawar. We operated 20 patients, with distal end radius fracture of type 23C2 and 23C3 with radial column fracture using bicolumnar plating between May 2019 to MAY 2021. All patients presented for follow-up till union. Patients belonged to age group 20-75 years with the mean age of 45 years. Twelve patients were male and eight were female. The duration of follow-up was 12-18 months. Results: Bicolumnar plating led to complete union of unstable distal radius fractures without additional procedures. The assessment of post-operative functional outcome was done using the MODIFIED MAYO WRIST SCORE. At the final follow-up, 15 patients had excellent score, 3 had good score and 2 had fair score. Conclusions: Bicolumnar plating is feasible option for the management of displaced distal radius fractures and can result in favorable surgical outcomes.