Treatment of distal radius fracture by T-shaped plate internal fixation via volar approach

Objective To evaluate the efficacy of volar T-shaped plate fixation for unstable fractcures of distal radius. Methods 80 patients with distal radius fractures had been treated with T-shaped plate fixation via volar approach. Fractures were classified using the AO classification. 20 fractures were classified as type A3, 2 as B1, 1 as B2, 1 as B3, 21 as C1, 22 as C2, 13 as C3. Autogeneic bone grarfting was applied in five patients. Results All patients were followed up for an average of 25.3 months (range from 6 to 38 months). Delayed bone healing or non-heal was not observed. According to the evaluation of Dienst scales, 67 patients were graded as excellent, 9 as good and 4 as fair. Conclusions Volar T-shaped plate fixation is reliable and effective in treatment of unstable fracture of distal radius, which providing ragid fixation and allowing early joint motion in most cases.