Loss of Radial Height in Patients Undergoing Fixation with a Distal Volar Anatomical Locking Plate: A Retrospective Study in a Public Institution.

Objective: To evaluate and quantify the frequency and magnitude of late loss of radiographic parameters following volar locking plate fixation of distal radius fractures. Methods: The present is a retrospective, cross-sectional study that radiographically analyzed 65 wrists operated on between 2020 and 2024 at a public institution, evaluating postoperative loss of radial height. Results: The results showed a median loss of 0.60 mm, with 13.8% of patients experiencing losses greater than 2 mm, and 75.4% experiencing lower losses. No evidence was found that sex statistically significantly affects this incidence after the Wald test. Conclusion: Despite the effectiveness of the volar locking plate in maintaining reduction, loss of radial height still occurs, especially in older patients with more complex fractures. The present study corroborates the use of this osteosynthesis technique, a fundamental tool in the management of complex fractures of the distal third of the radius, to restore and maintain the anatomy of the region.