Are Volar Locking Plates Superior to Percutaneous K-wires for Distal Radius Fractures? A Meta-analysis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Distal radius fractures are common, costly, and increasing in incidence. Percutaneous K-wire fixation and volar locking plates are two of the most commonly used surgical treatments for unstable dorsally displaced distal radius fractures. However, there is uncertainty regarding which of these treatments is superior.

Questions/purposes

We performed a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials to determine whether patients treated with volar locking plates (1) achieved better function (2) attained better wrist motion, (3) had better radiographic outcomes, and (4) had fewer complications develop than did patients treated with K-wires for dorsally displaced distal radius fractures.

Methods

We performed a comprehensive search of MEDLINE (inception to 2014, Oct

SUBMITTER: Chaudhry H 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4523532 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature