THE CURRENT STATE OF THE ART OF ANGLE-STABLE VOLAR PLATING IN THE TREATMENT OF DISTAL RADIAL EPIPHYSIS FRACTURES

Fractures of the distal radius are the most common type of fractures in the upper ex- tremities, accounting for 17% of all fractures treated in the Emergency Department. Treatment techniques are constantly evolving: while the classic treatment of choice in- volved a plaster cast and immobilization, today, thanks to studies on the biomechanics of fractures and the ongoing innovation in the field of fixation devices, the preferred treatment methods are increasingly geared towards a faster and more physiological functional recovery. In this article, the authors provide a detailed overview of the treat- ment methods in use today, such as the latest generation of plates and screws used for the reduction and stabilization of fractures, which allow an early mobilization and re- spect the complex anatomy of the wrist.