Malunited fractures of the distal radius treated with corrective osteotomy using volar locking plate and a corticocancellous bone graft following immediate mobilisation.

We describe our experience of using a volar locking plate for corrective osteotomy and bone grafting combined with early mobilisation in the treatment of distal radius malunions. Corrective osteotomy of the distal radius was performed through a volar approach, and fixated by a volar locking plate associated with corticocancellous iliac bone grafting in three patients aged 16, 71 and 75 years. Two patients had had volarly displaced malunion and one dorsally displaced malunion. Wrist motion was started immediately after surgery. The average follow-up was 15 months (range, 12-20 months). All osteotomies healed at an average 5.7 weeks post-operatively, resulting in a total arc of wrist motion of 133 degrees, forearm rotation of 167 degrees, and grip strength of 70% of that of the contralateral side. This treatment method proved to be effective and safe.