Abstract
Background In recent years, there has been an increased utilization of volar locking plate fixation
of distal radius fractures (DRFs). However, reported long-term complication rates
with this technique remain unclear.
Purpose The purpose of this systematic review was to investigate the pooled incidence of
complications associated with volar locking plating of DRF.
Methods A search of the Scopus database was performed from 2006 through 2016. Studies were
considered eligible if they had a diagnosis of a DRF and were treated with a volar
locking plate with an average of 12 months or longer follow-up.
Results The literature search yielded 633 citations, with 55 eligible for inclusion in the
review (total n = 3,911). An overall complication rate of 15% was identified, with 5% representing
major complications requiring reoperation. The most common complication types identified
included nerve dysfunction (5.7%), tendon injury (3.5%), and hardware-related issues
(1.6%).
Conclusion Nerve complications were reportedly higher than tendon and hardware-related complications
combined. However, despite varying complication rates in the literature, this systematic
review reveals an overall low complication rate associated with volar locking plating
of DRF.
Keywords
distal radius fracture - volar locking plate - complications
