Functional Outcome of Volar Barton Fractures of the Distal Radius Managed with Volar Plating

Muhammad  Saeed; Muhammad Zahid  Khan; Majid  Hussain; Shafi Ul  Haq

doi:10.54112/bcsrj.v6i2.2047

Authors

Muhammad Saeed Department of Orthopedic and Spine, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan
Muhammad Zahid Khan Department of Orthopedic and Spine, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan
Majid Hussain Department of Orthopedic and Spine, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan
Shafi Ul Haq Department of Orthopedic and Spine, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, Pakistan

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54112/bcsrj.v6i2.2047

Keywords:

Volar Barton's Fracture, Distal Radius, Volar Locking Plate, Functional Outcomes, Gartland and Werley Score, Fracture Fixation

Abstract

Volar Barton fractures are unstable intra-articular injuries of the distal radius that commonly result from high-energy trauma. Anatomical reduction and stable fixation are essential to restore wrist function and prevent post-traumatic arthritis. Volar locking plates are widely used, yet local outcome data remain limited. Objective: To evaluate the functional outcomes of Volar Barton fractures of the distal radius managed with volar plating. Methods: This study involved 65 patients with a confirmed diagnosis of a volar Barton's fracture (AO/ASIF type B3). All patients underwent surgical fixation with a volar locking plate via the modified Henry approach. Guided physiotherapy was initiated two weeks after surgery. Functional outcomes were assessed using the Gartland and Werley scoring system at 6-month follow-up. Results: 65 patients were selected for this study; the majority were male (70.8%). Road traffic accidents accounted for 72.3% of cases. Assessment of functional outcomes showed that 73.8% of patients achieved excellent outcomes, 16.9% good, and 9.2% fair. Post op complications were superficial infection (6.2%), wrist stiffness (4.6%), and carpal tunnel syndrome (3.1%). Conclusion: Volar locking plate is a highly successful and safe surgical strategy for managing volar Barton's fractures of the distal radius, with a higher proportion of excellent-to-good functional outcomes.

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