Abstract
Abstract: A review study of 40 skeletally immature patients with displaced, diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures treated with open reduction, internal fixation of radius only, using Mini DCP/one third tubular plate. Forty children (age range 5–13 years), treated between 1987–1999 by one surgeon were evaluated subjectively for pain or restriction of activities at games or school, clinically for range of movements at elbow, wrist and forearm rotation, and radiologically for residual angulation and time at healing. Duration of follow up was 2–12 years. Galeazzi and Monteggia fractures, as well as fractures with metaphyseal involvement were excluded. Among 40 patients, 26 were male and 14 female. Fracture distribution was 4 (10%) upper third, 12 (30%) middle third and 24 (60%) lower third of radius and ulna. Healing time was 2–10 (mean 3.6 months). One patient went into non-union and required further surgery. One patient developed superficial cellulites around the wound, resolved by a week course of oral antibiotics. No other complications were noted. Subjective evaluation showed excellent results in all patients according to our criteria. Clinically all patients had full range of motion at elbow, wrist and forearm rotation, except two patients who were 5 degree short of pronation and one patient 10 degree short of both supination and pronation, as compared to their normal forearm. Radiologically, two patients showed residual angulation of 5 degree in ulna. We conclude that single bone fixation offers a safe and effective way of treating displaced diaphyseal fractures of both radius and ulna, with excellent functional outcome.
The abstracts were prepared by Mr Ray Moran. Correspondence should be addressed to him at Irish Orthopaedic Associaton, Secretariat, c/o Cappagh National Orthopaedic Hospital, Finglas, Dublin 11.
