Relationship between plate removal and Soong grading following surgery for fractured distal radius

The aim of this study was to determine the relationship between volar plate removal and the Soong classification following fixation for fractured distal radius. In this retrospective cohort study, all consecutive patients who had volar plate fixation for a distal radius fracture in 2011–2015 were reviewed. Differences in Soong classification between patients who had plate removal and those who did not were analysed. The total incidence of plate removal was calculated and the indications analysed. A total of 323 patients were included. The incidence of plate removal in all patients was 17%. Soong classification was significantly higher in patients who had plate removal compared with those who did not. For patients with plate placement classified as Soong grade 2, the incidence of plate removal was almost six times higher than those classified as Soong grade 0. The relationship between volar plate removal and a higher Soong grading stresses the importance of accurate plate positioning. Level of evidence: IV