Functional outcome of volar barton fracture distal end radius treated with plating

Background: More than 206 years have passed since Colles described the fracture of the distal end of the radius. Barton’s fracture, named after the American surgeon john rhea barton is a fracture of the distal end of radius that involves the dorsal or volar rim and extends into the intra articular region. As far as the treatments of volar barton fractures are concerned, it is one of the most challenging types. The main objective of treatment is to re-establish anatomic integrity and joint function. The purpose of the study is to evaluate the functional outcome of volar barton fracture of distal end radius treated with plating using mayo wrist score.Materials and Methods: The study was conducted in the department of orthopedics, Geetanjali medical college and hospital, Udaipur. 25 patients with volar barton fracture of distal end radius were included in study. The period of study was between January 2019 to June 2020. Minimal period of follow-up was 6 months and Functional outcome was evaluated using Mayo wrist score.Results: In our series, we had 64% excellent, 32% good, 4%, fair and no poor results using Mayo wrist score. Patients, who obtained excellent results, had normal regular activities and no pain. Range of motion was within the normal functional range. Radial length, volar tilt and articular step-off were within acceptable limits. Patients with good results had minimal residual deformities, pain and slight limitation of function. Patients with fair results, along with residual deformity, pain and limitation also had pain in the distal radio-ulnar joint and minimal complications. Few of their movements were less than that required for normal function.Conclusion: Our study concludes that fixation of volar Barton fracture of distal end radius treated with plating showed excellent functional outcome with early ROM and good grip strength without any major complications.