Abstract
Introduction and Aims: With the prevalence of gunshot injuries in our society a new approach to the treatment of gunshot radius and/or ulna was analysed. These fractures are often very comminuted and surgical exposure of the fracture site may render many previously viable bone fragments devoid of a blood supply. It was decided to look at a minimally invasive method of plating these fractures.
Method: A consecutive series of nine patients with a diaphyseal gunshot of the radius or ulna or both was subjected to a ‘percutaneous plating’ procedure. This form of fixation acts as an internal form of ‘external fixator.’ Two surgeons performed the procedures.
Results: At the time of submission of this abstract five of the six patients had gone on to complete clinical and radiological union. The sixth patient is still under follow-up. The average time to full union was 12 weeks. The average pronation obtained was 60 degrees (20–80) and the average supination 50 degrees (10–70). In all patients full elbow and wrist movement was preserved.
Conclusion: Although this is a very limited series of patients it would appear that this method of treating gunshot injuries of forearm bones produces good results in injuries that are sometimes difficult to treat. The long-term effect on wrist function is difficult to predict. To date, we have had no serious complications in this small series, with no incidence of nerve injury, no sepsis and no radio-ulna synostosis.
These abstracts were prepared by Editorial Secretary, George Sikorski. Correspondence should be addressed to Australian Orthopaedic Association, Ground Floor, The William Bland Centre, 229 Macquarie Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia.
At least one of the authors is receiving or has received material benefits or support from a commercial source.
