25446409
OBJECTIVE	To compare surgical outcomes of volar locking plates ( VP ) and external fixation ( EF ) ( with or without intra-focal fixation ) for AO-type C2 and C3 fractures of the distal radius .
METHODS	From an initial group of 92 patients with AO-type C2 and C3 distal radius fractures who were enrolled in a prospective , randomized study comparing volar plate fixation with external fixation ( with or without intra-focal fixation ) , 74 patients were studied .
METHODS	The researchers evaluated functional assessments ( wrist range of motion , grip strength , and Michigan Hand Questionnaire ) at each patient visit and measured radiographic assessment ( radial inclination , volar tilt , ulnar variance , and articular congruity ) at 12 months .
RESULTS	The grip strength of the VP group was significantly greater than that of the EF group at 3 and 6 months .
RESULTS	The range of motion was significantly greater in the VP group than in the EF group at 3 months .
RESULTS	There were no significant differences in the range of motion and grip strength between the 2 groups at 12 months .
RESULTS	The Michigan Hand Questionnaire score was higher in the VP group than in the EF group at 3 months but was same at 12 months .
RESULTS	There was no significant difference between groups with respect to volar tilt or radial inclination .
RESULTS	The VP group showed superior radiologic outcomes in terms of the ulnar variance .
RESULTS	One patient in the VP group and 3 in the EF group had an intra-articular stepoff deformity greater than 2 mm .
RESULTS	This difference did not reach statistical significance .
CONCLUSIONS	These results for functional recovery after distal radius surgery offer insight into treatment decisions and interpretations of treatment outcomes for patients with comminuted intra-articular distal radius fractures .

