POLYAXIAL ANATOMICAL VOLAR LOCKING PLATE – ONE SOLUTION FOR ALL

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Distal radius intra-articular fractures are frequent and various methods of fixation are available. When there is shearing type barton fracture buttress plate is the only choice of implant. Invention of locking plate revolutionized treatment of intraarticular fractures. But in comminuted fractures available designs of locking plate does not address all 3 columns, leading to usage of different plates for each column. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the design of volar locking plate with polyaxial locking screws for addressing all columns particularly volar barton fragments METHODS AND MATERIAL: 35 patients aged from 18 – 60 years with distal radius fractures are operated with same implant. Patients were followed up at regular intervals 4weeks, 8 weeks,12 weeks followed by once in 3 months. Mean follow up period is 1 year. RESULT: Patients are evaluated with Gartland and Werley demerit point system. Out of 35 patients -28 patients had excellent outcome,7 patients had good outcome Conclusion: Volar locking plate with polyaxial screws can be implant of choice to address all the types of intrarticular distal radius fractures with good results.