Intramedullary nailing as a treatment modality in diaphyseal radius and ulna fractures

Abstract

Traumatic skeletal injuries are becoming very common with advent of modernization because of increased vehicles and increased industrialization. Radius and ulna fractures are among the most common long bone injuries admitted to any hospital. The management of Radius/ Ulna diaphyseal fractures has always held particular interest of orthopaedic surgeons. By virtue of its location Radius-Ulna are exposed to frequent injuries with elbow joint and wrist it forming the extinct boundaries with superior and inferior radio-ulnar joint and spanning interosseous membrane to control rotation in the forearm. Early treatment and proper stabilization gives a better functional outcome. Early fracture fixation either by closed reduction with nailing or open reduction internal fixation with compression plate reduce morbidity and mortality significantly. Intramedullary nailing can be excellent choice of treatment especially in compound injuries, poor skin condition, segmental fractures and grossly communited fractures. Excellent results were obtained using closed reduction with large snugly fit intramedullary nail in radius ulna fractures which provided both rotational and angular stability.