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Abstract
In the period from 2014 to 2019 years, 68 patients underwent surgical treatment of distal radius fractures with the use of volar LCP plates osteosynthesis technique. Among them were 51 females and 17 males. The age of the patients ranged from 26 years to 83 years (mean age 56.6 years). The vast majority of patients were over 50 years old - 58 (85.2%). According to AO classification, 23A2 fractures were found in 36 patients, 23A3 - 11, 23B3 - 2, 23C1 - 15, 23C2 fractures – in 4 patients. The operative approach was performed at the standard volar (radiopalmar) site. 3.5mm LCP plates (57) were mostly used for osteosynthesis - 57cases. 2.4-2.7mm LCP plates were used in 11 cases. Postoperatively, immobilization was performed with a removable orthosis for 2-3 weeks for extra-articular fractures and during 3-4 weeks for intra- articular fractures. Mild movement of the fingers and wrist joint usually began on the 2nd day after surgery, and active therapeutic exercises - after 2-3 weeks in the case of extra-articular fractures. In the case of intra-articular fractures - after 4 weeks. All patients were examined radiologically and followed up clinically within 3 months after surgery, part of patients (21cases) up to 6-14 months. In all cases, complete fracture consolidation was achieved. At 3 months after surgery, functional outcomes were assessed as good in 49 cases and satisfactory in 19 cases. Mild complications were seen in 7 patients (irritation of extensor tendon – in 4 cases, mild paresthesia of I-II-III fingers- in 3 cases).
Osteosynthesis with the use of volar LCP plates is an effective method for treating practically all types of distal radius fractures, resulting in stable fixation of fragments, early initiation of therapeutic exercises, virtually 2-fold reduction of rehabilitation period (in comparison to conservative treatment) and better functional outcomes.