Study Summary

One hundred and fifty-six patients with operative distal radius fractures were randomized to receive fixation with volar locking plates (n=75) or external fixators (n=81). The primary outcome of interest was the Patient-Rated Wrist/Hand Evaluation (PRWHE) scores postoperatively. Secondary outcomes of interest included functional outcomes, range of motion, pain scores, radiographic measurements and complications. Results of this study revealed significantly improved PRWHE scores in the volar locking plate group at 6 weeks postoperatively (p<0.001) but no significant differences at 3 months or 1 year. At 1 year follow-up, the volar locking plate group had significant improvements in pain with activity, wrist extension, ulnar and radial deviation and ulnar variance on final radiographs. No differences in complications were noted.