Operative treatment of distal radius fractures involving the volar rim–A systematic review of outcomes and complications

Purpose Distal radius fractures involving the volar rim are a subset of unstable and extremely distal fractures involving the volar lunate and/or scaphoid facets. Volar rim fractures (VRF) are challenging to manage and different treatment options have been described. This study aimed to compare outcomes and assess the rates of complications and implant removal for different treatment methods of wrist fractures involving VRF. Methods A systematic review of studies published in MEDLINE, EMBASE, Web of Science and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health literature (CINAHL) was conducted to assess the operative outcomes of VRF. Data on patient demographics, implant usage, postoperative outcomes, complications, and implant removal were compiled. Results Twenty-six studies met the inclusion criteria with a total of 617 wrists. The most commonly used implants were 2.4 mm variable-angle volar rim plate (DePuy Synthes) (17.5%), Acu-Loc II (Acumed) (14%) and standalone hook plates (13%). The average outcome measures were Q-DASH (10.9 ± 7), MWS (85.8 ± 7.5), PRWE (15.9 ± 12.1), and DASH (14 ± 8.5). The overall complication rate was 14% ( n = 87), with 44% ( n = 38) involving flexor tendon problems. The implant removal rate was 22%, with routine removal being performed in 54% and non-routine removal in 46% of cases. Conclusion The current treatment of VRF yields favorable functional outcomes across different treatment options. However, these fractures have a high rate of complications and re-interventions, particularly for symptomatic implants. Level of Evidence Therapeutic IV.