Arch Hand Microsurg.  2018 Mar;23(1):46-53. 10.12790/ahm.2018.23.1.46.

Clinical Outcome of Forearm Segmental Fracture after Open Reduction and Plate Fixation

• Hong IT
• Kim DW
• Jang GC
• Han SH

• KMID: 2412490
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12790/ahm.2018.23.1.46

Abstract

PURPOSE
Forearm segmental fractures are occasionally managed by orthopedic surgeon even though the prevalence is much lower than simple fractures. However there are only a few studies dealing the treatment and results of this type of fracture in South Korea. Authors present the clinical results of forearm segmental fractures after open reduction and plate fixation.
METHODS
Medical records and radiographs of 12 patients who were treated with open reduction and internal fixation for forearm segmental fracture were reviewed retrospectively. Fracture union was analyzed by serial radiographs. Clinical results were analyzed with visual analogue scale (VAS), disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) score, grip strength and range of motion of relevant joints at the final follow-up.
RESULTS
Bone union was achieved in all cases without additional procedure. The average time of bone union was 19.7 weeks. Average VAS was 2.08 and DASH score was 11.85 at the final follow-up. Average grip strength was 22.2 kg (contralateral limb 26.8 kg). Average range of motion of elbow joint was 0°-137°, and wrist flexion, extension, pronation, and supination was 65°, 74°, 84°, and 87°.
CONCLUSION
Authors showed satisfactory results in all cases of forearm segmental fracture. With accurate reduction and stable fixation, favorable result comparable to that of simple fracture can be achieved for complicated forearm segmental fractures.

Keyword

Radius; Ulna; Forearm; Segmental fracture; Open reduction; Plate fixation

MeSH Terms

Arm
Elbow Joint
Extremities
Follow-Up Studies
Forearm*
Hand
Hand Strength
Humans
Joints
Korea
Medical Records
Orthopedics
Prevalence
Pronation
Radius
Range of Motion, Articular
Retrospective Studies
Shoulder
Supination
Ulna
Wrist

Figure

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  Fig. 1 (A, B) Preoperative radiographs showing an ulna segmental fracture associated with radius distal shaft fracture. (C, D) Union of fracture sites during the follow-up.

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  Fig. 2 (A–D) Forearm and wrist motion at postoperative 14 months.

• 

  Fig. 3 (A, B) Preoperative radiographs showing a radius segmental fracture and ulna midshaft fracture. (C, D) Bony union postoperative 6 months.

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  Fig. 4 (A–F) Range of motion of wrist and elbow at postoperative 12 months.

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