Results of locking compression plate in closed diaphyseal forearm fractures in adults

Abstract

Introduction: Diaphyseal fracture of ulna and radius present specific problems in Addition to those common to all fractures of shaft of long bones due to their anatomical Characteristics and conservative treatment of these fractures lead to poor functional outcome. Stoffel et al showed that plate osteosynthesis with rigid fixation has shown a high complication Rate including delayed or nonunion, infection, hardware failure and most importantly refracture after plate removal, primarily due to necrosis of bone under the plate. To evaluate results of locking compression plate in closed diaphyseal Forearm fractures in adults. Methods: In prospective study, 22 adults with (38 forearm bones= Radius-20 & Ulna-18) acute closed diaphyseal fractures were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with Locking Compression Plate. Follow up was obtained on all 22 patients. The average duration of follow up was 12 months. Results: The functional outcome was assessed with the grading system of Anderson et al. We had excellent results in all patients. Conclusion:Locking compression plate with a combihole provides fixation of fractures in a single implant with vast application according to the situation and useful in wedge or complex or osteoporotic or comminuted fractures because it preserves periosteal blood supply and provides a stable fixation ensuring early mobilisation. Studies having a larger number of fractures treated with different modes are needed to evaluate the outcome of locking compression plate osteosynthesis in forearm bones fractures, but the early results are promising.

Results of Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of Proximal Third Both Bones of Forearm Fractures in Adults

“…The forearm, on the other hand, is an exception. Regaining length, apposition, and axial alignment, as well as normal rotational alignment and the radial bow is essential for restoring appropriate range of supination and pronation of the forearm (3) .…”