T-Plate Fixation for Fractures of Distal Radius

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To review the result of fractures of distal radius treated with the T-plate fixation and to recommend guideline for treatment of fracture of distal radius. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Between January 1999 and December 2002, among the patients with fractures of distal radius underwent T-plate fixation, we retrospectively reviewed 52 cases that had a minimum follow-up of 12 months. According to the Fernandez classification of distal radius fractures, 18 cases were type I, 4 cases were type II, 22 cases were type III, 2 cases were type IV and 6 cases were type V. To assess the clinical result, we used the Demerit Point System and for the radiologic result, we used the Point system by Scheck. We Compare the result of treatment in fractures of distal radius by T-plate fixation and K-wire fixation in Type I and III. RESULTS: Excellent to good results were obtained in 38 cases (73%) in clinical result and 39 cases (75%) in radiological results. Radiologic evidence of arthritis was presented 6 cases at follow-up examination. There was no evidence of statistical difference between Type I using T-plate and K-wire fixation (p>0.05). However in type III, result in the group of T-plate fixation were better than in pinning group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: We obtained good result for type III with T-plate but only T-plate fiaxtion for type V was not satisfactory