Original article

Advanced volar locking plate fixation for intra and extra articular distal radius fractures: a retrospective study

Authors

• • Giuseppe Rovere
  • Policlinico Tor Vergata, Rome
• • Francesco Bosco
  • Department of Precision Medicine in Medical, Surgical and Critical Care (Me.Pre.C.C.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
• • Giulio Vigni
  • Department of Precision Medicine in Medical, Surgical and Critical Care (Me.Pre.C.C.), University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
• • Ennio Sinno
  • Orthopaedic and Traumatology Department, S. Spirito Hospital, Lungotevere in Sassia 1, 00193, Rome, Italy
• • Andrea Perna
  • Department of Orthopedics and Trauma Surgery, Fondazione Casa Sollievo Della Sofferenza IRCCS, 71013, San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy
• • Fortunato Giustra
  • Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Ospedale San Giovanni Bosco di Torino - ASL Città di Torino, Turin, Italy
• • Francesco Liuzza
  • Department of Clinical Science and Translational Medicine, Section of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
• • Amarildo Smakaj
  • Department of Clinical Science and Translational Medicine, Section of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
• • Fernando De Maio
  • Department of Clinical Science and Translational Medicine, Section of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
• • Antonio Ziranu
  • Ospedale Isola Tiberina - Gemelli Isola, Rome, Italy
• • Giuseppe Tulumello
  • Orthopedics and Traumatology, Università Cattolica Del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
• • Lawrence Camarda
  • Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Ospedale Giovanni Paolo II, Sciacca, italy

Abstract

Background Distal radius fractures are among the most common orthopedic injuries, posing significant challenges due to their high prevalence and potential for long-term functional impairment. Volar locking plates have emerged as the gold standard for managing unstable and extra-articular fractures, offering superior outcomes compared to traditional methods. This study evaluates the clinical, radiographic, and functional outcomes of volar locking plate fixation in 34 patients with intra and extra-articular distal radius fractures.

Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 34 patients treated for intra and extra-articular distal radius fractures with volar locking plates at a single orthopedic center. Patients were followed for a mean duration of 24 months (range: 12-36 months). Outcomes were assessed using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, range of motion (ROM), and radiographic parameters. Complications, including hardware-related issues and soft tissue irritation, were recorded. Statistical analysis compared preoperative and postoperative outcomes, with significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: The mean DASH score at the final follow-up was 4.2 ± 1.8, reflecting excellent functional recovery. Pain relief was complete, with all patients reporting a VAS score of 0. ROM restoration was highly satisfactory, achieving 93-98% of contralateral wrist motion. Radiographic evaluations confirmed 100% fracture consolidation with no cases of malunion or nonunion. Complications were minimal, with only two patients experiencing transient soft tissue discomfort, managed conservatively. No tendon irritation or hardware-related complications were observed.

Conclusions: Volar locking plate fixation for intra and extra-articular distal radius fractures demonstrated excellent clinical, functional, and radiographic outcomes in this cohort of 34 patients. The low-profile design and anatomical contouring of modern plates minimized complications while promoting effective pain relief and rapid functional recovery.

Keywords: Distal radius fractures, Volar locking plates, Extra-articular fractures, Fracture fixation, Range of motion, DASH score

How to Cite: Rovere, G. , Bosco, F. , Vigni, G. , Sinno, E. , Perna, A. , Giustra, F. , Liuzza, F. , Smakaj, A. , De Maio, F. , Ziranu, A. , Tulumello, G. & Camarda, L. (2026) “Advanced volar locking plate fixation for intra and extra articular distal radius fractures: a retrospective study”, Medicinski glasnik. 23(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.17392/2047-23-01