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· DOS Abstracts
Complication rates following volar plating of distal
radius fractures in relation to fracture pattern and
surgeon experience.
Andreas Qvist Christensen, Nina Madsen, Erik Valen, Casper Bindzus Foldager
Orthopedics, Randers Regional Hospital ; Radiology, Randers Regional Hospital
Background:
Fractures of the distal radius are among the most common inju-
ries in orthopedics, accounting for up to 15% of all extremity fractures. Internal
fixation using volar plating has become increasingly popular. Reported complica-
tion rates following volar plating vary widely (9-60%), but are unknown in the
Danish population.
Purpose / Aim of Study:
To examine complication rates following volar plating
of distal radius fractures in relation to fracture pattern and surgeon experience
in patients operated at Randers Regional Hospital in 2011-2012.
Materials and Methods:
Patients with distal radius fractures surgically treated
with volar plating in 2011 and 2012 at Randers Regional Hospital were en-
rolled in the study. Radiological classification was performed using the AO and
Frykman. Clinical journals were reviewed for complications. Surgeons were cat-
egorized as resident, orthopedic surgeon or hand surgeon. Correlation between
complications and surgeon experience or fracture classification was investigated
using Spearman’s correlation.
Findings / Results:
Seventy three patients were identified. Mean age 64yrs
(18-91) with 81% females. Most common type was AO-27 A2.2 (25%) and
Frykman type was II (47%). Seventeen different surgeons performed the pro-
cedures (9 residents, 7 consultants, and 1 hand surgeon). The complication rate
was 31.5%. Revision surgery rate was 16.4% (12 pts). The most common com-
plications were wrist pain and implant-related discomfort (61%). There was no
correlation between complication rate and surgeon experience (P=0.49); frac-
ture classification (OA P=0.72; Frykman P=0.18).
Conclusions:
We found a high complication rate of 31.5% following volar plat-
ing, which was not related to fracture classification or surgeon experience in the
present cohort.
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