Early clinical outcomes of isolated low velocity gunshot radius fractures treated with closed reduction and locked intramedullary nailing

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The treatment goals in diaphyseal radius fractures are to regain and maintain length and rotational alignment and stability. Open reduction and plating carries the inherent problems of soft tissue disruption and periosteal stripping. Intramedullary nailing offers advantages of minimally invasive surgery and minimal soft tissue trauma. AIMS: To investigate the outcomes of locked intramedullary nailing for isolated gunshot diaphyseal radius fractures in adults. METHODS: A cross-sectional review of prospectively collected clinical and radiological data was performed. All adult patients with isolated gunshot radius fractures treated with closed reduction and locked intramedullary nailing between 2009 and 2013 were reviewed. Twenty-two nails were inserted in 22 patients, all males with a mean age of 28.9 years (range 19-40). All surgeries were performed between 2 and 12 days after injury (average 4 days). Follow-up was for an average of 11 weeks (range 8-24). RESULTS: All fractures united with the index procedure. Mean time to union was 10 weeks (range 8-24). Using the Anderson classification, the clinical outcome was excellent in 14 patients (64%), satisfactory in six (27%) and unsatisfactory in two (9%). CONCLUSION: Closed reduction and intramedullary nail fixation of gunshot radius fractures shows promising results without significant complications.