Table 3.

Comparison of internal fixation (IF) using volar locking plates and external fixation (EF) regarding the outcomes of DASH, grip strength, and 12-month radiological results

			Fractures
Time	Time or parameters	Studies	EF	IF	Weighted mean difference	95% CI	p-value	Favored
DASH	3 months	4	112	102	14.3	7 to 22	< 0.001	IF
	6 months	4	113	102	6.2	3 to 9	< 0.001	IF
	12 months	4	113	102	6.1	-0.7 to 13	0.08
Grip strength	3 months	3	90	84	-14	-25 to -3	0.01	IF
	6 months	3	90	84	3.1	-18 to 24	0.8
	12 months	3	90	84	-1.8	-16 to 12	0.8
12-month	Volar tilt	2	60	63	-4.7	-7 to -2	< 0.001	IF
radiological	Radial length	2	60	63	1.0	0.1 to 2	0.03	EF
results	Radial inclination	3	90	96	1.0	-1 to 4	0.4
	Ulnar variance	3	90	96	-0.1	-2 to 2	1

95% CI, 95% confidence interval;

DASH: Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand.