We studied results of the communited distal radius fracture treated with allogenic cancellous bone graft and volar locking plate in the elderly.

We studied 29 cases of communited distal radius fracture treated with allogenic cancellous bone graft and volar locking plate from April 2009 to April 2013. Fracture was classified according to AO/OTA classification. Postoperative clinical evaluation was performed with measurement of wrist range of motion (ROM) at last follow-up, modified Mayo wrist scoring system (MMWS), and visual analogue pain scale (VAS). Radiologic evaluation was performed with measurement of radial length on immediate postoperation and last follow-up, radial inclination, volar tilt and ulnar variance checked at the last follow-up using Sarmiento criteria.

Using the MMWS, 13 cases were classified as 'good', 10 'fair', and 5 'normal'. The average wrist ROM was 88.5% for flexion, 92.2% for extension, 90.5% for adduction, and 94.0% for abduction. The average VAS was 1.7. On the last follow-up, average radius length, radial inclination and volar tilt did not show statistically significant improvement (p>0.05) compared to immediate post operation measurements, and according to Sarmiento criteria, 5 cases were classified as 'good', 14 'fair', and 7 'normal'.

Treatment of severe communited distal radius fracture accompanied by bone defect with volar locking plate and allogenic cancellous bone graft is a satisfying and effective treatment method in the elderly.