Dorsal (AO/ASIF) pi-plate osteosynthesis in the treatment of distal intraarticular radius fractures.

The results and complications using the dorsal 2.4 mm 2.7 mm (AO/ASIF) pi-plate for the treatment of distal radius fractures were evaluated in a prospective study of 42 patients followed up clinically and radiologically and seven patients followed up with telephone call and radiological follow-up for an average time of 12.1 (range 4-32) months in a group of 50 patients with intraarticular distal radial fractures treated consecutively using this method. Twelve complications occurred in 10 patients including two extensor tendon ruptures, two transient cases of CRPS Type 1 (Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy, Algodystrophy), two instances of screw loosening, three cases of posttraumatic carpal tunnel syndrome and three permanent sensory irritations on the dorsum of the hands. Using the AO score, there were 37 successful and 12 tolerable results, with no unsatisfactory outcomes. Using the NYOWR scale, there were 17 very good and 25 good results, with no satisfactory or poor outcomes. These results suggest that this osteosynthesis provides adequate fixation of comminuted distal intraarticular radius fractures with a reasonable incidence of complications.