Distal radius fractures – A volar plate is not just a volar plate.

Introduction Increasingly complex distal radius plate designs are available for treating distal radius fractures. As a result, many fractures are being ‘over-treated’ with more complex volar plate designs than necessary. We hypothesise that significant cost savings could be made by rationalising the use of complex locking plate designs. Methods Over a two-year period, radiographs of 250 consecutive distal radius fractures fixed with volar locking plates were reviewed and the type of plate, and type and number of screws used for fixation were noted. Preoperative radiographs were independently reviewed to ascertain if it would have been possible to stabilise the fracture with a simpler, extra-articular plate design. Potential cost savings were then calculated. Results It was deemed that 89 (36.5%) of the 250 cases originally treated with a more complex 2 column variable angle plate could have been treated with an extra-articular construct, leading to potential savings of £19,224. Conclusion It is clear from our data that many distal radius fracture patterns are being ‘over-treated’ with complex locking plate designs with multiple rows of screws and that substantial cost savings could be made by selecting an appropriate construct to suit the fracture pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]