Does a Volar Locking Plate Provide Equivalent Stability as a Dorsal Nonlocking Plate in a Dorsally Comminuted Distal Radius Fracture?

Abstract

This study suggests that the fixation obtained with volar locking plates is as stable as fixation with a dorsal plate in acute healing period and can withstand the functional demands of the immediate postoperative period in dorsally comminuted unstable extra-articular distal radius fractures. Elimination of dorsal tendinopathy by using volar locking plates may lead to fewer long-term complications. Locking plates provided better stability in specimens with osteoporosis.