Fixation Of Forearm Fractures Research Articles

Internal fixation for forearm fractures in children

In a series of 517 consecutive closed displaced fractures of the forearm in children, only 12 required open reduction. The chief indications for the procedure are: fractures that cannot be reduced or held closed; displaced diaphyseal fractures in patients over 10 years old; multiple fractures in the same limb; and open fractures. Semirigid fixation with intramedullary pins is preferred over fixation with plates, because the former requires less exposure, allows easier removal, and carries no risk of refracture.

Internal fixation of forearm fractures in children.

Fourteen children with severely displaced diaphyseal fractures of both bones of the forearm treated with open reduction and internal fixation were reviewed; these operations represented 9 per cent of all the diaphyseal forearm fractures in children during a 9-year period. The mean age of the patients at the time of the injury was 12 (7-14) years; they were reexamined 8 (5-11) years later, all after cessation of growth. At follow-up, limited prosupination, observed in 8 patients, was associated with a fracture of the proximal third of the forearm; limited motion of the radiocarpal joint, in 2 patients, was associated with shortening of the ulna. Only 4 patients complained of pain or were aware of restricted motion, and the average function was good. Open reduction and internal fixation is indicated in displaced fractures of the forearm even in children.

Complications of Plate Fixation of Forearm Fractures

Sixty-four adult patients (87 diaphyseal forearm fractures) were treated by plating. Thirty-nine percent of the fractures were classified as single bone fractures (16% radius, 23% ulna); 43% were both radial and ulnar fractures, and 19% were Galeazzi or Monteggia fracture-dislocations. A major complication occurred in 18 (28%) patients. Nonunion occurred in six patients: three of 18 bones treated with four screws (17%), but only three of 69 bones fixed with five or more screws (4.3%), a nonunion rate four times higher for bones plated with four screws. Screws loosened in three fractures, all involving the ulna. Radioulnar synostosis occurred in seven forearms, and in five of these the forearm injuries were associated with multiple system trauma involving head injury. Two patients had osteomyelitis. Both were victims of massive crush injury and delayed internal fixation, and both required removal of the implant; but eventually the fractures healed. Plate fixation of forearm fractures can have a high complication rate. Meticulous attention to surgical technique and the use of plates long enough to provide secure fixation can not be overemphasized. An increased incidence of synostosis in polytrauma, head-injured patients was noteworthy.