Partial Articular Fracture of the Distal Radius Treated via Dorsal Approach

Summary: The case of a 60-year-old woman with an impacted, dorsally unstable, displaced intra-articular distal radius fracture with dorsal sheer treated via a dorsal approach. Literature comparing dorsal to volar plating of the distal radius is mixed. Dorsal plating may lead to a greater incidence of implant removal, although radiographic and clinical outcomes seem to be similar. The rates of these complications have reduced over time with the introduction of lower profile locking plates. At 1-year after surgery, the patient demonstrated excellent clinical results with near full and painless range of motion of the wrist. She had full range of motion of thumb and fingers. The dorsal approach to the distal radius offers reliable restoration of functional ability with a low rate of neuropathic complications.