Treatment of distal radius fractures with steel plate fixation through the bone channel of the inferior pronator quadratus

Abstract Objective: The study aimed to investigate the effect of internal fixation with steel plate through the inferior pronator quadratus bone channel on wrist function in patients with unstable distal radius fractures. Methods: 52 patients were divided into two groups: the observation group (modified Henry approach with inferior pronator quadratus bone channel with steel plate fixation, n=26) and the control group (modified Henry approach with pronator quadratus open-suturing and steel plate fixation,n=26). Various parameters of the two groups such as operation time, postoperative creatine kinase（CK）,myoglobin (Mb), fracture healing time, reduction efficacy and wrist range of motion were analyzed. Gartland Werley functional score and DASH score were compared between the two groups after 1 year of follow-up. Results: There was no significant difference in the operation time, fracture healing time and reduction efficacy between the two groups. The amount of postoperative creatine kinase（CK）and myoglobin (Mb) were lower in the observation group than those of the control group(P<0.05). The wrist joint range of motion was higher in the observation group 1 year after the operation than those of the control group (P<0.05). Lower Wrist Pain VAS Score was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The Gartland Werley score in the observation group was lower than that in the control group at the same time(P<0.05). Conclusion: The study concludes that the modified Henry approach with inferior pronator quadratus bone channel with steel plate fixation effectively promoted the healing of unstable distal radius fractures and the recovery of wrist joint function. It is safe and reliable without any complications.