Introduction: Distal end radius fractures are common upper extremity fractures often requiring surgical intervention for instability. This study compares the functional and radiological outcomes of fixed angle versus variable angle volar locking compression plates in managing these fractures. Materials and methods: A prospective randomized study was conducted at AIIMS, Raipur, from July 2020 to December 2022. Patients aged 18-60 years with complete intra-articular distal end radius fractures (AO Type 23C1, 23C2, 23C3) were included. Sixty-four patients were randomized into two groups: one receiving fixed angle plates (Group 1) and the other variable angle plates (Group 2). Functional outcomes were assessed using the Mayo wrist score, and radiological outcomes were evaluated with the Sarmiento modification of Lindstrom’s criteria. Statistical analysis was performed using IBM SPSS 22.0, with p-values <0.05 considered significant. Results: At 3 months, the variable angle group had significantly higher Mayo wrist scores (63.12 ± 11.81) compared to the fixed angle group (48.75 ± 11.90, p=0.005). This trend continued at 6 months (75.93 ± 9.16 vs. 64.37 ± 14.59, p=0.025) and 1 year (91.87 ± 7.27 vs. 81.25 ± 16.17, p=0.044). Radiologically, the variable angle group demonstrated better volar tilt restoration at all follow-up points (p<0.001 at 3 months, p=0.001 at 6 months, p=0.004 at 1 year). Complication rates were similar between groups. Conclusion: Variable angle volar locking compression plates offer superior functional outcomes and better volar tilt restoration compared to fixed angle plates for unstable distal end radius fractures. Both types exhibited similar complication rates.

<b>INTRODUCTIONb>Leg ulcers are a chronic condition affecting the older population. In Singapore, the use of topical traditional Chinese medicaments (TTCM) is common amongst those older than 65 years of age. We study the role of TTCM as contact sensitisers in patients with chronic venous leg ulcers and its impact in the clinical management of these patients.

<b>MATERIALS AND METHODSb>Patients with chronic leg ulcers attending the Wound and Ulcer Clinic at the National Skin Centre (NSC) between October 2005 and April 2006 were patch-tested to the NSC TTCM series. They were also patch-tested for other allergens from the NSC Standard Series, Medicament Series, Steroid Series and wound dressings.

<b>RESULTSb>A total of 44 patients were patch-tested. Seventeen of the 44 (38.7%) patients were using or had used at least 1 TTCM. Seven patients (15.9%) had at least 1 positive patch test (PT) reading to TTCM, giving a sensitisation rate of 41% (7 of 17). A significantly high proportion of the patients, 94.1% (16 of 17) with a positive history of TTCM usage had at least 1 positive PT reading compared to those without a history of TTCM usage, 45.8% (11 of 24).

<b>CONCLUSIONb>TTCM play an important role as contact sensitisers in our patients with chronic venous leg ulcers and may be a significant factor in non- or poor-healing leg ulcers. In such patients, a history of TTCM usage should be sought for and patch testing should include the commonly used TTCM where relevant.

Administration, Topical ; Adult ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Chronic Disease ; Cohort Studies ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Dermatitis, Allergic Contact ; epidemiology ; Female ; Humans ; Leg Ulcer ; drug therapy ; Male ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; adverse effects ; Middle Aged ; Singapore ; epidemiology ; Varicose Ulcer ; drug therapy