3 Surgical Treatments for Severe Basal Joint Arthritis
When thumb arthritis becomes unbearable, surgery may be the next step, but not all procedures are the same. Here are three proven options — and how each restores comfort and function.
Why Volar Plate Fixation Has Such a High Success Rate in Healing Severe Wrist Fractures Properly
Not all wrist fractures are the same. Some heal with nothing more than a cast and time. Others — especially those with displaced or unstable bone — need something more precise to heal correctly.
That’s where volar plate fixation comes in.
At Central Jersey Hand Surgery, our expert hand surgeons use this technique for more severe distal radius fractures because it provides the bone with the stability it needs to heal in the correct position and stay there.
So what makes it so effective?
What is volar plate fixation?
Volar plate fixation is a surgical procedure to repair fractures of the distal radius, the large bone on the thumb side of your wrist.
During the procedure, we make an incision on the palm side of the wrist and carefully realign the broken bone. We then secure a specially designed metal plate to the bone with screws, holding everything in place while healing occurs.
This procedure is often called an “open reduction and internal fixation” (ORIF).
The plate isn’t just a placeholder, though; it acts like an internal support system, keeping the bone stable through the entire healing process.
How successful is it?
Volar plate fixation is widely considered one of the most reliable treatments for unstable wrist fractures.
Studies consistently show:
- Most patients gain significant improvement in pain, grip strength, and range of motion
- Long-term outcomes typically include minimal disability and strong functional recovery
- The majority of patients experience no complications
Though no procedure is perfect, complication rates are relatively low, often reported around 7.5%, depending on the study and fracture type. In practical terms, that means this procedure works and works consistently.
Why does it perform so well?
There’s a reason volar plate fixation has become the go-to option for many severe wrist fractures. Several key advantages set it apart.
It restores proper alignment
When a fracture heals in the wrong position, it can lead to long-term stiffness, weakness, and pain.
Volar plate fixation allows our surgeons to reposition the bone precisely and secure it in that alignment. Because the plate holds everything steady, there’s less risk of the bone shifting during healing.
It provides strong, stable support
The plate and screws create a rigid structure that immediately stabilizes the fracture.
This stability is one of the biggest reasons for its success. It reduces the chance of the fracture collapsing or losing alignment as swelling decreases and healing progresses.
It also means your wrist isn’t solely relying on external support.
It allows earlier movement
Because the fixation is internal and stable, most people can begin gentle motion sooner than they could with casting alone.
And that’s a big deal because early movement helps:
- Reduce stiffness
- Maintain joint flexibility
- Improve long-term function
This is one of the key differences between surgical fixation and nonsurgical treatment.
It leads to better functional outcomes
When researchers compare treatment methods, volar plate fixation consistently performs well. In fact, patients treated with volar plates tend to have:
- Lower pain scores
- Better grip strength
- Greater range of motion
These improvements are compared to those treated with casting alone. That difference isn’t just statistical — it’s something you feel in your everyday life.
It works well for complex fractures
In complex fractures — especially those involving multiple fragments or joint surfaces — casting simply can’t control the position of the bone with enough precision.
Volar plate fixation allows our surgeons to address those complexities directly, which is why we use it in more severe cases.
How does it compare to casting?
Casting still plays an important role, especially for simpler fractures, but there are clear differences.
With casting:
- The bone must already be well-aligned
- There is a higher risk of the bone shifting during healing
- Movement is restricted for a longer period
With volar plate fixation:
- The bone is actively realigned and secured
- Stability is maintained throughout healing
- An earlier motion is often possible
And when it comes to outcomes, surgical fixation often leads to better strength, motion, and comfort in the long run for unstable fractures.
Is volar plate fixation right for you?
Volar plate fixation isn’t necessary for every wrist fracture — but when it’s needed, it offers a level of precision and stability that casting simply can’t match.
That’s why it has such a strong track record.
If you’ve been diagnosed with a wrist fracture or are exploring treatment options, call Central Jersey Hand Surgery in Toms River, Freehold, or Eatontown, New Jersey, to schedule an appointment. Getting the right treatment early can make all the difference in how you heal and how well your wrist functions long term.
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