Comparative study of functional outcome after internal fixation of comminuted fractures of diaphysis of the forearm with locking compression plate and dynamic compression plate

Abstract

Introduction: Management of fractures of a forearm over time reflects the evolution of modern Orthopaedics. With the introduction of internal fixation, many surgeons reported encouraging results. The locking compression plate (LCP) and Dynamic Compression Plate (DCP) are newer modalities for fracture fixation of both bone forearm fractures. The study aimed to compare functional outcome after internal fixation of comminuted fractures of diaphysis of the forearm with LCP and DCP. Methodology: It is a prospective type of comparative study involving 30 patients attended orthopedic casualty due to fractures of diaphysis of the forearm. After primary emergency management, a splint was applied; a radiological examination of the affected limb was carried to assess the fracture type. Alternate patients are fixed with LCP and DCP randomization. All patients were personally examined at follow up on the second, fourth, sixth month, and one year. The functional and radiographic results were recorded according to Anderson et al. criteria. Handgrip assessed and compared to the opposite limb. Results: Our study reports that younger patients have shown statistically significant good results compared to older patients (p-value-0.013). Prognosis with sex and type of fracture was not statistically significant. Early fixation gives good result, and it is statistically significant (p-value- 0.008). Even though clinically LCP gives better results compared to DCP it is not statistically significant in single fracture (p-value-0.06), but LCP gives better results in both bones forearm, and it is statistically significant (p-value-0.034). The present study had a union rate of 96.66%, with a mean time of union in the LCP group was found to be lesser in comparison to DCP group. All both bones fractures treated with LCP showed callus formation, and 75% of both bones treated with DCP showed callus formation, and it is statistically significant (p-value-0.05). Overall, the patients were satisfied