A novel hybrid fixation versus dual plating for both-bone forearm fractures in older children: A prospective comparative study.

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical outcomes of hybrid fixation using elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) for the ulna and plate screw fixation for the radius (Hybrid group) with dual plating fixation for both-bone forearm fractures in children between 10 and 16 years of age. Twenty-six patients were treated using a hybrid fixation struct and 30 patients were treated with dual plating fixation. The two groups were compared prospectively according to perioperative data and patient outcome measures. The hybrid fixation construct group had 26 patients, with a mean age of 13.27 years (range, 10-16 years) and the dual plate group had 30 patients, with a mean age of 13.33 years (range, 10-16 years). The groups were similar for sex, arm injured, fracture location. Incision length of ulna, duration of surgery and hospital costs were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in either time to union or Price scores for function evaluation between the 2 groups (P < 0.05). Complication rates were also similar between the groups. Hybrid fixation, using open reduction and internal fixation with a plate-and-screw construct on the radius and closed reduction and elastic intramedullary fixation of the ulna, is an acceptable method for treating both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in skeletally immature patients 10-16 years old. The small incision and less cost are the characteristics of this hybrid fixation.