Early Results of Surgical Treatment of Volar Barton Fractures by Plating In Adults

Abstract

Background: Barton fracture is an articular fracture of the distal radius in which volar dislocation of radio carpal joint happens. But there is no disruption of the radio-carpal ligaments, it happens from compression injury with intraarticular marginal shearing force on distal radius. Aim: to evaluate the clinical and radiological outcome of fixation of volar Barton fracture by plate in adults and how to improve them.Patients and Methods: This study is a prospective interventional study carried at Orthopedic Department, Zagazig University Hospitals for distal radius volar Barton fracture management with plating with mean follow up 6 months.Results: we found that the mean time of bone union in the study was 8.33±1.37 weeks. Clinical and functional outcome of flexion improved from preoperatively to postoperatively, the difference statistically highly significant. Radial deviation improved from (5.83±3.99) preoperatively to (13.75±3.8) postoperatively, the difference statistically highly significant. Post-operative DASH score of studied groups the mean DASH score of patients in the study was 14.89±8.21. 7 patients had excellent satisfaction level (58.3%). 3 patients had a good satisfaction level (25%). 2 patients had superficial infection (16.6%). 1 patient had malunited fracture (8.3%), 1 patient had stiffness (8.3%). Conclusion: Plating of the volar Barton fracture is an effective treatment for improving functional and radiological outcome. Early postoperative mobilization and fracture stability are achievable through the use of locking compression plates. It provides fast recovery of the movements and activities.