OBJECTIVETo assess the clinical effectiveness of volar and radial column approach by plate fixation for the treat- ment of unstable fracture of distal radius.

METHODSAccording to Cochrane Systematic Review, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Li- brary, CNKI and CBM, randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of volar and radial column approach by plate fixation for the treat- ment of unstable fracture of distal radius were searched for from 1966 to 2014. Data analysis was performed with the Cochrane Collaboration's RevMan 5.0 software.

RESULTSTotally 391 patients of 6 RCTs and 2 retrospective cohort studys were included and divided into volar plate group (187 cases) and radial column plate group (204 cases). Meta-analysis result showed: compared with radial column plate group, volar plate group had significant difference in recovery of wrist function [SMD = 0.74, 95% CI (0.47, 1.01), P < 0.00001], Gartland-Werley scores [SMD = -1.39, 95% CI (-2.24, -0.53), P = 0.001], postoperative neural in- jury [OR = 3.67, 95% CI (1.37, 9.84), P = 0.01 1 and postoperative wrist pain [OR = 0.32, 95% CI (0.13, 0.74), P = 0.008]. But no significant difference was identified in DASH scores [SMD = -0.36, 95% CI (-0.97, 0.26), P = 0.25], radiographic result assess- ment [SMD = -0.18, 95% CI (-0.53, 0.16), P = 0.3], postoperative grip strength [SMD = 0.71, 95% CI (-0.12, 1.54),P = 0.09], postoperative tendinous damage [OR = 0.31, 95% CI (0.10, 0.98), P = 0.05] and carpal tunnel syndrome [OR = 0.96, 95% CI (0.63, 1.48), P = 0.87].

CONCLUSIONCompared with radial column plate internal fixation, volar approach plate fixation for treat- ment of distal radius intra-articular fracture has advantage of recovery of joint functionand. However, the volar approach plate fix- ation was associated with a higher risk of long-term complications than the radial column approach plate fixation.