Ahmet Alperen Öztürk
Joint Diseases and Related Surgery - 2026;37(2):454-460
Objectives: The aim of this study is to evaluate the radiological effectiveness of restoring volar tilt in dorsally displaced distal radius fractures using the lift technique performed with a fixed-angle volar locking plate. Patients and methods: Between January 2023 and February 2025, a total of 14 patients (5 males, 9 females; median age: 46.9 years; range, 32 to 72 years) with dorsally displaced intra-articular or extra-articular distal radius fractures who underwent fixation with a fixed-angle volar plate using the visually estimated lift technique were retrospectively analyzed. Fractures were classified according to the AO classification. Pre-lift and post-lift volar tilt angles as well as plate-shaft angles were measured from fluoroscopy images, and control volar tilt angles were measured from radiographs. Actual angular correction was defined as the difference between pre-lift and post-lift volar tilt angles. Results: Fracture types were AO Type A in nine patients, AO Type C in four patients, and AO Type B in one patient. The median volar tilt angle at the time of fracture was -24.9 derece (range, -4 derece to -56 derece). Following traction and reduction maneuvers, the median pre-lift volar tilt was -4.9 derece (range, -20 derece to 4 derece), the median post-lift volar tilt was 9.5 derece (range, 0 derece to 15 derece), and the median volar tilt at follow-up was 9.4 derece (range, 1 derece to 16 derece). Plate-shaft angles ranged from 6 derece to 25 derece (median: 14.2 derece). Actual angular correction ranged from 5 derece to 25 derece. In 11 cases (78.5%), intraoperative correction achieved the target range of 5 derece to 15 derece. In three cases (15.4%), volar tilt correction was insufficient, with final values of 0 derece, 3 derece, and 4 derece. The ratio (R) of actual angular correction to theoretical angular correction was approximately 0.67. Conclusion: The lift technique using a fixed-angle volar plate is a reliable and effective method for intraoperative correction of volar tilt in dorsally displaced distal radius fractures. The technique provides a valuable alternative, particularly in cases where manual reduction fails to achieve sufficient volar tilt restoration.
