Objective: To evaluate the clinical difference of locking and non-locking plates in the treatment of distal radial fractures in the elderly.
Methods: Forty-nine patients with an average age of 68 years were included. The mean follow-up was 30 months. Five cases were traffic related injury, and others were simple falls. Fractures were classified according to AO classification system: 9 cases of A3, 4 cases of B, 11 cases of C1, 18 cases of C2, 7 cases of C3. Patients were grouped as locking group (29 cases) and non-locking group (20 cases).
Results: Significant difference was not found between the two groups in active range of motion, Gartland and Werley score, radiological measurements and score.
Conclusion: Locking and non-locking plates have the same clinical outcome in the treatment of distal radial fractures in the elderly.