Objective: Results of surgical treatment for unstable distal end radius fractures with articular involvement in adults as comparing with unlocked and locked anatomic plate by volar approach were evaluated.

Materials and Methods: According to AO classification type C with 35 patient treated open reduction and two different volar plate fixation for distal end of the radius fractures retrospectively reviewed between January 2005 and May 2009. All type C fractures were evaluated 16 (% 46) C1, 9 (% 29) C 2, 10 (% 28) C3. The median follow-up period was 20 month (6-50). Volar locked plate treatment was used for 13 patient in Group 1 and volar unlocked anatomic plated was used 22 patient in Group 2. There were no statiscally differences in age, gender, fracture type among groups.

Results: According to Gardland and Werley cilinically evaluation criters; excellent-good was % 86, fair was % 14 in group 1; excellent-good % 77, fair was % 23 in Group 2 respectively. Wrist range of motion and forearm rotation was similar statistically for 2 groups as were clinical scoring and grip strenght.According to radiological evaluation system of Steward et al. excellent-good were % 100; in Group 1 and % 91 in Group 2 respecti-vely. Althought there was no statistically differences among groups, but in locked plate group radiological improvement was better.

Conclusion: Treatment of complex distal end fractures of radius involment articular with volar unlocked or locked plate provide good functional results and late period follow up there were no difference in terms of functional and radiologic results among two method. Locked anatomic plates provide good radiologic correction because of including multiple screws with low profile and allow to early joint movement because of rigidity.