A randomized controlled study of dynamic compression plate (DCP) versus limited contact dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) in treatment of forearm bone fractures in adults (age 18-60 years)

Abstract

Background and objectives: Fracture of forearm bone are one of the most common injuries seen in day to day practice. The forearm, in combination with the proximal and distal radioulnar joints, allows pronation and supination movements that are important to all of us in the usual activities of daily living. The forearm serves an important role in upper extremity function, facilitating positioning the hand in space, thus helping to provide the upper extremity with its unique mobility. Exacting and decisive management is required after fractures of the shafts of the radius and ulna if function is to be restored. Methods: A prospective randomized controlled study comprising of 50 cases of Fracture of forearm bone with equal distribution of cases (using randomization list) i.e. 25 cases with Dynamic Compression Plating (DCP) (Group A) and 25 cases with Limited contact dynamic compression plating (LC-DCP) (Group B) was done with patients admitted to Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Hospital & Research Centre, Tumkur from April 2015 and April 2017. Results: The Limited contact dynamic compression plating of diaphyseal bones produced excellent Results, the advantages being early mobilization, rigid fixation and hence prevention of fracture disease. The only disadvantage is that it is more expensive than the DCP. Conclusions: The conclusion of our study was that Limited contact dynamic compression plate (LC-DCP) has a definite advantage over Dynamic compression plate (DCP) with respect to time to union and screw placement in comminuted fractures and in case of osteoporotic bone, but the complications, duration of surgery and surgical technique virtually remains unchanged.