A comparison of corrective osteotomies using dorsal and volar fixation for malunited distal radius fractures

Purpose This study aimed to compare clinical results and to restore radiographic parameters of corrective osteotomy for malunited distal radius fracture using a volar locking plate with a dorsal plate. Methods We retrospectively studied 28 consecutive patients with symptomatic malunited distal radius fractures followed up for more than 12 months who underwent corrective osteotomy with a dorsal buttress plate ( n = 9) or a volar locking plate ( n = 19). Volar tilt (VT), radial inclination (RI), and ulnar variance (UV) were radiographically evaluated. Clinical examination parameters included pain, wrist and forearm ranges of motion (ROM), grip strength, and Mayo Modified Wrist Score (MMWS). Results The volar group had a significantly greater VT undercorrection for − 9.4° than did the dorsal group for − 1.2° ( p < 0.001). Major complications requiring plate removal occurred in six of nine patients in the dorsal group and two of 19 patients in the volar group. The complication ratio was significantly greater in the dorsal group than in the volar group ( p < 0.05). Improvements in forearm and wrist ROM, grip strength, and MMWS did not differ significantly between groups. Conclusions Opening wedge osteotomy of the radius using a volar locking plate is preferable to dorsal buttress fixation in terms of surgical and technical demands and frequency of complications, but VT correction is insufficient. Surgeons should be aware of the mismatch between the plate and the volar surface of the malunited distal radius.