Functional Outcome Following Fixed-Angle Volar Plating or Intrafocal K-Wire Fixation for Extraarticular Fractures of the Distal Part of the Radius: A Retrospective Analysis of Treatment Outcomes

Purpose: The objective of this retrospective study was to compare the results of two operative techniques used for the treatment of distal radius fractures classified as AO type A3. Patients and Methods: Patients were treated with either fixed-angle volar plates or intrafocal Kirschner wires (K-wires) using a Kapandji-like technique. The functional results were determined with the Gartland & Werley Score as well as the DASH Score after an average follow-up of 28 months. Results: 55 patients were included in the study. Of these, 33 were female and 22 male, with an average age of 59 years. In patients < 60 years, the Gartland Score was 1.4 points in the fixed-angle volar plate group, and 4.6 points in the Kapandji group. In patients >/= 60 years, no significant difference between the therapy groups could be ascertained. The DASH Score measured 17 points in each group. In all cases, a satisfactory reduction was obtained. The Kapandji group experienced significantly more loss of reduction position at follow-up in terms of volar tilt and radioulnar inclination than the fixed-angle volar plate group. Conclusion: These results show that intrafocal K-wire fixation in older patients is a suitable method to attain and hold sufficient bony reduction. However, younger patients achieve better radiologic and functional results when treated with open reduction using the 3.5-mm LCP fixed-angle volar plate.[PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]