A Prospective Study of Maintenance of Reduction in Displaced Distal end Radius Fracture Fixed with Distal Volar Locking Plate in Elderly Patients with Clinical and Radiological Outcome Evaluation

Background: Distal radius fractures (DRFs) are common orthopedic injuries in elderly patients, with volar locking plate (VLP) fixation emerging as preferred treatment for unstable intra-articular patterns. Limited Indian data exists on elderly outcomes. Methods: This prospective observational study evaluated 36 patients (>50 years) with intra-articular DRFs treated with VLP fixation at Metro Heart Institute, Faridabad (18-month duration). Frykman classification assessed fracture patterns; Sarmiento score evaluated radiological outcomes (palmar tilt, radial shortening, inclination); Mayo Wrist Score (MWS) measured functional recovery. Follow-up occurred at 6 weeks, 3 months, and 6 months. Statistical analysis used paired t-tests (SPSS v24.0). Results: Mean age was 65.5 years (53% aged 61–80); males predominated (58%). Frykman type 3 (44%) and 4 (33%) were common; 94% operated within 2 days. Radiological outcomes: excellent Sarmiento grades in 92% immediately post-op, stabilizing at 86% by 6 months (palmar tilt 0.4°→1.1°; shortening 1.5→2.1 mm). MWS improved significantly from 89.3±8.1 (6 weeks) to 91.3±6.6 (6 months; p