Minimally Invasive Plating of Distal Radius Fracture: A Series of 42 Cases and Review of Current Literature

Abstract

Surgical techniques developed for distal radius fracture fixation have become increasingly advanced, including minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis (MIPO). This study aimed to introduce and evaluate the functional outcome of a novel MIPO technique that differs from previous reports. This study included 42 patients with distal radius fractures who underwent minimally invasive surgical plating of the distal radius. All patients were treated with closed reduction, fixation using K-wire, and subsequent insertion of a volar anatomical stable angle short plate on the distal radius. An arthroscopy-assisted evaluation and repair procedure were performed to correct intra-articular involvement, triangular fibrocartilage complex tears, and scapholunate injuries. Functional outcomes were assessed using a visual analog scale score; quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand score; and postoperative range of motion of flexion, extension, supination, and pronation at the 3-month follow-up, showing significant improvement in all parameters (all $p$  ≤ 0.05). This study provides a simpler yet reliable method with reproducible and consistent results to treat distal radius fractures using minimally invasive plating with closed reduction and plate insertion, resulting in satisfactory clinical outcomes in all patients.