Introduction: Intra-articular distal radius fractures with volar and dorsal comminution present a special challenge to the hand surgeon.
Methods: Ten patients formed the study cohort. All plates were low profile and stainless steel. Radiographic parameters, range of motion, and strength compared to the uninjured side were recorded. Functional outcome was evaluated by Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire and Gartland and Werley scoring system.
Results: Median age at surgery was 58 years (range, 24 to 86). Mean follow-up was 17 months (range, 12 to 28). According to the AO classification system, there were three type C2 and seven type C3 fractures. Median preoperative dorsal angulation was 24 deg; median postoperative dorsal angulation was 3 deg. Eighty percent (8) of the fractures also had an intra-articular step-off or gap, all of which were corrected to neutral by the procedure. Compared with the contralateral side, mean extension and flexion were 73 and 75%, respectively, pronation and supination were 95 and 88%, respectively, and grip strength and thumb pinch were 72 and 87%, respectively. Mean postoperative DASH score was 16 points, and 70% (7) of the patients had Gartland and Werley scores of good or excellent. None of the patients needed to have their plates removed, and no extensor tendon rupture was reported.
Conclusions: The "sandwich" plating technique is an effective method of regaining near-anatomic reconstruction of intra-articular, volarly and dorsally comminuted distal radius fractures. Results from this study demonstrate that patients can expect to regain about 80% of their range of motion and strength. Moreover, 70% of the patients will have good to excellent functional outcomes. This is the first study to examine range of motion and functional outcome of low-profile "sandwich" plating without plate removal.