Double vs single plating could not improve the functional recovery of type C distal radius fractures involved with radial column: a preliminary retrospective cohort study (PRCS)

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Abstract
Background: This study compared the curative effects of double plates (volar plate combined with radial column plate) and single plate (volar plate) on type C distal radius fractures involved with radial column. Methods: A 5-years retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients with distal radius fractures involved with radial column from January 2016 to January 2021. The single plate group patients were 5:1 matched with the double plates group patients according to the age and sex. Primary outcome was the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire. Besides, the secondary outcomes were wrist and forearm motion, grip, antiradial deviation muscle strength, visual analog scale, postoperative complications, and radiographic outcomes. Results: A total of 54 patients (double plates group 9 and single plate group 45) were included. All the patients were completed with a 12 months follow-up. There was no statistical difference between the two groups on DASH scores, wrist flexion, extension, ulnar deviation, radial deviation, forearm pronation and supination, grip strength, antiradial deviation muscle strength at 1, 2, 3, 6, and 12 months after surgery (P>0.05). In addition, there was no statistical difference in postoperative visual analog scale scores between the two groups. In radiographic outcomes, the radial inclination and radius height of the double plate group were better than those of the single plate group at 1, 3, and 12 months after operation (P<0.05). Both two groups patients had no postoperative complications occurrence. Conclusions: Double plate fixation did not improve the functional recovery of type C distal radius fractures involved radial column, although the radial column was fixed more firmly.

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