Summary

Use of volar locking plates and immediate mobilization for the treatment of distal radius fractures demonstrated greater improvement in functional, radiographic, and clinical scores compared with other treatment modalities, including casting and external fixation with 6 weeks of immobilization. Lidia Koval, MBBS, Mackay Base Hospital, West Mackay, Australia, presented data from a trial evaluating the use of a volar locking plate vs an external fixator or cast fixation in patients with a distal radius fracture.