


There are obvious benefits and disadvantages of these two surgical techniques and the associated post-operative rehabilitation protocols. Thus, the procedure used for treating IFDR can have a strong psychological impact on the patient. Procedures for treating IFDR can be psychologically stressful because of their long duration and the frequency of complications, including soft tissue problems and restricted joint motion. 9 reported complication rates after volar-locked plating of distal radius fractures however, they included both young adults and adults older than 60 years in their analysis and did not focus on the elderly population. 4, 5 Although many reports on the functional outcomes, psychological impacts and complication rates have been reported for the use of locked plating fixation or external fixation around the wrist, 6, 7 little has been written about these issues in elder patients. 3 Over the past 30 years, the surgical treatment of distal radius fractures has shifted from the use of cast immobilization to numerous surgical options, such as the use of external fixation and locking plates. 1, 2 The risk of a poor outcome after IFDR increases with malunion and joint stiffness, and operations are often required to maintain a satisfactory anatomical position. Intra-articular fractures of the distal radius (IFDR) represent high energy, complex, unstable injuries, and account for approximately one-sixth of the fractures observed in emergency rooms. The plating group showed significantly higher levels of wound infection and tendonitis and had a greater need for additional surgeries. Internal fixation was more advantageous than external fixation in the early rehabilitation period after 1 year the outcomes were similar. The only TNO-AZL Adult Quality of Life scores in the plating group that were lower than those in the external fixation group were in the “gross motor” category (walking upstairs, bending over, walking 500 yards P=0.023). The plating group had a greater occurrence of wound infection ( P=0.043), tendonitis, ( P=0.024) and additional surgery compared with the external fixation group. These differences were somewhat attenuated by 6 months and disappeared at 1 year. After 3 months, the plating group had better pronation ( P=0.001), supination, ( P=0.047) and extension ( P=0.043) scores. The patients were measured for clinical, radiological, and psychosocial functioning outcomes and were followed up after 1 week and 3, 6 and 12 months. A total of 123 consecutive patients suffering from IFDR were recruited into the study. We hypothesized that using volar or dorsal plating would improve functional outcomes, but that it would be associated with more complications and equivalent functional outcomes when compared with the external fixation group. For additional information visit Linking to and Using Content from MedlinePlus.The purpose of this study was to compare the functional outcomes, psychological impact, and complication rates associated with external fixation and volar or dorsal plating in relation to the functional parameters following treatment of intra-articular fractures of the distal radius (IFDR) in patients older than 65 years. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited without authorization. Links to other sites are provided for information only - they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy editorial process and privacy policy. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. is accredited by URAC, for Health Content Provider (URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M.
