Distal Radial Fractures in Patients over 60 Years Old: Orthogonal Plates versus Volar Plate.

OBJECTIVE To compare the results from surgical treatment between volar plates with angular stability and orthogonal plates in unstable distal radius fractures, in patients aged over 60 years. METHODS The patients were divided into two groups that were treated with volar plates or orthogonal plates. Clinical and radiographic results were analyzed prospectively. RESULTS The study groups presented similar clinical and radiographic results six months after the operation. However, three months after the surgery, the volar plate group had superior results. CONCLUSION Both group presented good functional results. Surgical treatment enabled early rehabilitation. The orthogonal plate technique required a longer learning curve, presented more complications and worse initial results.