Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Medicine - Department of Orthopedic Surgery

Background and aims Distal radius fractures are common injuries that have a considerable impact on health care systems.The advent of variable angle volar locking plates designed specifically for fractures of the distal radius has resulted in a major shift away from fixed angle plates, conventional plates and percutaneous fixation of these injuries. However, comparative studies have not always showed better outcomes than those less expensive techniques.Variable angle locking plates are biomechanically sound for the management of intra-articular fractures of the distal radius.They also minimize the risk of joint perforation. The primary research objective was to determine whether the use of volar distal radius variable angle locking compression plates improves functional outcome of intra-articular distal radial fractures in the short and medium term. The secondary objectives were to determine whether this plate also improves clinical and radiological measurable outcomes and the complication rate Methods A prospective case series recruiting 20 skeletally mature patients with isolated intra-articular distal radius fractures, and conducted in a tertiary care institute. Outcome assessments were conducted at 6 months post operative. The primary outcome measure was the QuickDASH score. Secondary outcomes included range of motion and grip strength measurements, modified Mayo wrist score and radiological parameter measurements. The 2.4mm distal radius variable angle locking compression plate was used Results At the end of the 6 month follow up period, the mean QuickDASH score was 15. 80% of palmar/dorsiflexion and 90% of supination/pronation ranges of the uninjured contralateral side were regained and80.5% of Grip strengthof the uninjured contralateral side was regained.Radiologically, all unions were within normal anatomical ranges.The complication rate was 25%

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