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Dorsal plating of distal radius fractures with traditional 2.5-mm-thick plates is associated with extensor tendon complications. Consequently, volar locking plates have gained widespread acceptance. A new generation of 1.2- to 1.5-mm, low-profile dorsal plates was designed to minimize tendon irritation. This study examines the complication rates of low-profile dorsal plates compared with volar locking plates.

We identified patients with distal radius fractures treated between September 2002 and June 2006 by low-profile dorsal or volar locking plates. Information pertaining to 7 categories of complications (hardware discomfort and pain, tendon irritation/rupture, failure of reduction, infection, complex regional pain syndrome, stiffness, and neuropathy/hypersensitivity) was collected. Complications were defined as any postoperative plating complications requiring additional surgical intervention …