Volar Locking Plate Versus External Fixation for Distal Radius Fracture - a Longterm Follow up

Inclusion Criteria: DS center

• acute unilateral dorsally displaced distal radius fracture with a axial shortening ofat least 4 mm or a dorsal displacement of at least 20 degrees.
• Age 20-70 SÖS center
• Age 50-74 for women and 60-74 for men
• injury only after fall from a standing height
• wrist radiography of at least 20 degrees dorsal dislocation and/or at least 5 mm axialshortening
• good knowledge of written and spoken swedish
• fracture diagnosed within 72 hours from injury
• patient resident within the catchment area of SÖS center

Exclusion Criteria: DS center:

• no previous fracture of either wrist
• ipsilateral acute fracture of the upper extremity
• medicated with warfarin
• unable to cooperate with follow-up (dementia, substance abuse, psychiatric illness,language problems)
• open fracture
• fracture that was not amenable by both methods (distal fragment to small or tocomminuted) SÖS center:
• former disability of either wrist
• other concomitant injuries
• rheumatoid arthritis or other severe joint disorder
• Dementia or pfeiffer score under 5 points
• drug abuse, alcohol abuse or psychiatric disorder
• dependency in activity of daily living
• medical condition contradicting general anesthesia