Comparative analysis of clinical outcomes between new T-shaped and variable-angle volar locking plates for the treatment of distal radius fractures

Background:New T-shaped volar locking plates (VLPs) and variable-angle volar locking plates (VLPs) are utilized for the internal fixation of distal radius fractures (DRFs). However, studies regarding the difference in clinical outcomes between these two plates are limited. The purpose of the present study was to compare postoperative outcomes between these two plate types for DRFs. Materials and Methods: A total of 45 consecutive patients (23 patients with new T-shaped VLPs and 22 patients with variable-angle VLPs) who underwent surgical treatment for DRFs were reviewed for this retrospective study. The range of motion (ROM), grip strength, visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score, X-ray findings, complication rate, fracture healing time and patient satisfaction with current activity were compared. Results: The analysis of wrist ROM revealed that there were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) in extension, flexion, ulnar deviation, radial deviation, supination, pronation or grip strength between the two groups. There were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) between the two groups with regard to alignment and fracture healing on X-ray. The final VAS pain score and patient satisfaction with current activity differed between the two groups. The complication rate in the variable-angle VLP group was significantly different from the 0% rate observed in the new T-shaped VLP group (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Although use of the new T-shaped VLP for the treatment of DRFs did not show superiority in functional outcomes or radiological findings over variable-angle VLPs, the present findings showed that internal fixation of unstable DRFs using the new T-shaped VLP yielded better clinical results with fewer complications.