Volar plate versus k-wire fixation of XXXX .

@entity1 @entity174
UNASSIGNED: The optimal management of @entity174 remains controversial. The aim of this study was to compare the radiographic and functional outcomes of 318 @entity1 who underwent k-wire fixation or volar plating for @entity174 of the distal radius. @entity1 were aged between 20 and 65 years and followed for a mean of 32 months. The mean values for volar tilt, radial inclination, radial length and ulnar variance were all significantly better in the volar plate group. Malunion occurred in 13.2% of @entity1 undergoing k-wiring and 4% of @entity1 treated with a volar plate (p<0.007). Higher values for radial inclination, radial length and volar tilt correlated with better functional outcome as measured by disabilities of the arm shoulder and hand (DASH) and @entity1 rated wrist evaluation (PRWE) scores. Lower values for ulnar variance correlated with better functional outcome. Although volar plate treatment resulted in a superior radiological outcome, there was no evidence that this translated into a superior functional outcome (DASH 13.12 vs. 11.25, p=0.28) (PRWE 17.56 vs. 16.31, p=0.69). The k-wiring procedure remains a suitable inexpensive option for simple @entity174 . Volar plating should be reserved for complex @entity174 that cannot be reduced by closed means.
