Management of diaphyseal fractures of both bones of forearm by internal fixation using locking compression plate and screws

Abstract

Background and objective: The fractures of both bones forearm are one of the commonest fractures found and can be treated by different methods. The accepted management for fractures of both bones forearm is open reduction and internal fixation using compression plating. The present study is undertaken to verify the claims made by the authors of the new design of the plate (LCP) and to learn the techniques, advantages and complication of the new method of internal fixation of forearm fractures. Materials and methods: It is a prospective study which was carried out from November 2012 to October 2014 in Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubli. In this study period 20 cases of fractures of both bones of forearm were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using Locking Compression Plate. Results: In our series, majority of the patients were males, middle aged with road traffic accidents being the commonest mode of injury, involving middle third of forearm. Transverse or short oblique fractures were most common. All twenty ulna fractures and nineteen radius fractures united. Excellent results or full range of mobility of elbow and wrist joints were present in 15 patients(75%), 4(20%) patients having good range of movements and 1(5%) patient with failure. Conclusion: The fixation with LCP for forearm fractures produces excellent results, the advantage being early mobilization, early union but the complication, duration of surgery and surgical techniques remains unchanged.