The purpose of this study was to compare the outcomes of volar plating using two different implants for distal radius fractures. Fifty-two patients with AO type C fractures were placed in either of two groups: the AO LDRS group (26 patients) or the Acu-Loc group (26 patients). Radiological parameters including radial length, radial inclination, volar tilt, and intra-articular step-off were significantly improved after surgery. The mean Mayo Wrist Performance Score was 84.6 in the AO LDRS group and 81.1 in the Acu-Loc group. The mean Subjective Wrist Value was 86.7% in the AO LDRS group and 86.3% in the Acu-Loc group. There were no significant differences between the two groups with respect to both radiological and clinical outcomes at the final follow-up evaluation. Volar fixed-angle plating for unstable distal radius fractures had satisfactory radiological and clinical outcomes. The difference of implant design did not influence overall final outcomes.
Keywords: Distal Radius Fracture; Implant; Outcome; Volar Fixed-Angle Plate.