Titanium versus Stainless-Steel Plating in the Surgical Treatment of Distal Radius Fractures: A Randomized Trial

Abstract

Our purpose was to compare postoperative complications and rate of plate removal in titanium and stainless-steel plating of distal radius fractures (DRF). Patients following DRF were randomly fixed with titanium or stainless-steel plates using the same plating system. Complications, second surgeries, and plate prominence were documented. A total of 41 patients were treated with stainless-steel and 22 with titanium plates. Average follow-up was 60 ± 5.6 months. There was no difference in demographics, fracture characteristics, or follow-up between the groups. Plate prominence was found in 50% of radiographs (mean distance: 1.4 mm). Four titanium plates and three stainless-steel plates were removed (11%). Mean time to plate removal was 18.4 ± 4.6 months. There was no difference in removal rates between the groups. Plate material and prominence, age, fracture comminution and smoking status were not associated with plate removal. Our results support using volar and dorsal plates regardless of the plate material.

Keywords

distal radius - fracture - plate - removal - stainless steel - titanium

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