The Outcome of under 10 mm Single-Incision Surgery Using a Non-Specialized Volar Plate in Distal Radius Fractures: A Retrospective Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: The distal radius fracture is a common orthopedic injury. We aimed to share the surgical steps and investigate the outcomes of treating distal radius fractures with wounds ≤10 mm using a globally accessible locking plate. Methods: We collected 46 patients who underwent surgery via a p = 0.762), radial inclination angle (p = 0.986), and ulna variance (p = 0.166). Both groups exhibited comparable results in pain VAS (p = 0.684), Q-Dash score (p = 0.08), and PRWE (p = 0.134). The ≤10 mm incision group displayed an increase in satisfaction with the wound (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Treating distal radius fractures with a <10 mm wound using a non-specialized locking plate is a feasible approach. It does not compromise the quality of fracture reduction or functional scores and improves wound satisfaction.

Keywords

• distal radius fracture
• open reduction and internal fixation
• minimally invasive
• functional outcome
• radiographic outcome