Early Motion After Volar Fixation for Distal Radius Fractures

Many surgeons pursue volar plating of the distal radius to allow earlier post-operative wrist motion. Early motion is generally prescribed in the belief that it will result in greater final motion without compromising fixation. However, studies have failed to demonstrate clinically significant improvement in final wrist motion (\> 1 year follow up) compared to treatments requiring longer immobilization such as external fixation or bridge plating.