The use of dorsal distraction plating for severely comminuted distal radius fractures: A review and comparison to volar plate fixation.

•The current evidence suggests that patients treated with dorsal distraction plating for distal radius fractures regain 48° of flexion and 51° of extension. Furthermore, patients were able to achieve 76° of supination and 74° of pronation. Grip strength was found to be 80% compared to the contralateral, uninjured limb.•Radiographic outcomes of distal radius fractures treated with dorsal distraction plating are also comparable to those treated with volar plate fixation. Patients treated with dorsal distraction plating have a restoration in their normal distal radius radiographic parameters with a mean volar tilt of 4.8°, radial height of 10.5 mm, radial inclination of 19.4° and ulnar variance of 0.3 mm. The current body of evidence analyzing radiographic outcomes following volar plate fixation show similar measurements to this.•Complication rates of dorsal plating are exceedingly low. Reported infection rates of dorsal plating has been quoted to be 1.6% compared to 52%–63% seen with external fixation and 3.7% seen with volar plate fixation. Other complications such as extensor tendon rupture, adhesions, and extensor lag are also low.