The effect comparison of locking compression plate and external fixator in the treatment of type C distal radius fracture

Objective: To explore the clinical effects of locking compression plate(LCP) in the treatment of type C distal radius fracture.Methods: Thirty-two patients were treated with open reduction using LCP(steel group,14 cases) and closed reduction external fixation(stent group,18 cases),respectively.Four patients in stent group with uneven articular surface after closed reduction were treated with Kuntscher pin fixation under small incision prying.The external fixator was removed at 8 to 10 weeks after operation according to the fracture healing,and the function of wrist joint was exercised.Results: All cases were followed up for 8 to 24 months.The palm dip angle,ulnar inclination angle between two groups were not statistically sigificant(P>0.05).The differences of the flexion and back stretch degree of wrist jiont,and Gartland-Werley functional score between two groups were statistically sigificant after following up 3 months(P<0.01),but there was no statistical significance after 6 months(P>0.05).Conclusions: Steel plate internal fixation for early recovering wrist activity is better than that of external fixator,but their long-term curative effects are similar.The selecting suitable operation for treating type C distal radius fractures should be according to the specific situation.