Clinical Outcomes of Intra-Articular Distal Radius Fractures Treated with Volar Locking Plate Fixation

Abstract

Distal radius fractures are extremely common, accounting for one-sixth of all fractures seen in the emergency department. Intra-articular fractures present a greater challenge due to joint involvement. These fractures occur more commonly in women than in men, increase in frequency with advancing age, and result from low-energy falls more often than from high-energy trauma. The work aims to evaluate the predictors of clinical and radiological outcomes of intra-articular distal radius fractures treated by open reduction and internal fixation using a volar locking plate. A total of 20 patients were included in this study, conducted between August 2024 and August 2025 at the Orthopedic Department, Omar Al-Mukhtar University. Patients aged between 40 and 65 years with intra-articular distal radius fractures were managed surgically using a volar locking plate. The majority of patients demonstrated good to excellent functional outcomes, with significant improvement in Mayo scores over a one–year follow-up period. Range of motion and grip strength improved with early return to activities of daily living. The majority of injuries were caused by falls, while a smaller proportion resulted from road traffic accidents. Among the 20 patients included in the study, the left distal radius was more commonly affected (55%) compared to the right side (45%). The study population consisted of 13 females (65%) and 7 males (35%), with a mean age of 50.35 years. The average time to fracture healing was 2.4 months, with most fractures healing within two months. Patients were followed up for a period of 6-12 months. Fixation of the distal radius fractures with a volar locked plate is very important for a good functional outcome and restoring the anatomical function of the joint.  Radiographic alignment (including articular congruity) is a key determinant of outcome.  Early motion and stable fixation help regain function and minimize stiffness.