Locking compression plate in the management of fracture both bones' forearms: A prospective study

Abstract

Background: The fractures of both bones' forearms are the most common fractures seen. It can be managed by various methods. Open reduction and internal fixation is the procedure of choice for displaced forearm fractures involving the radius and ulna in adults using a locking compression plate (LCP). The study is undertaken to verify the claims made by the authors of the plate (LCP) and to learn the techniques, functional outcomes, and complications of this method of internal fixation. Objectives: To study the functional outcome of treating diaphyseal fractures in both bones' forearm with LCPs. To study the duration of union with LCP. To study the complications of LCPs. Materials and Methods: It is a prospective study which was carried out from August 2015 to January 2017 at MVJ Medical College and Research Hospital, Bengaluru. In this study period, 30 cases of fractures in both bones of the forearm were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using LCP. Results: In our study, the majority of the patients were male, middle aged, with road traffic accidents being the most common mode of injury, involving the middle third. Transverse or short oblique fractures were the most common. The fractures united in all 30 patients. Excellent or full range of mobility of elbow and wrist joints was present in 25 patients (83%), with 5 (17%) patients having good range of movements. Interpretation and Conclusion: The LCP of forearm fractures produces excellent results, the advantage being early mobilization, and early union but the complication, duration of surgery, and surgical techniques remain unchanged.