Compression plating for diaphyseal forearm fractures and evaluation of functional outcomes

Abstract

Background: Compression plating maintains rotational alignment of the fracture and allows immediate mobilization after the fixation. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcomes of diaphyseal forearm fracture compression plating.Material and Methods: The present retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics, PGIMS Rohtak and included 20 cases aged between 20-70 years, who were operated for diaphyseal both bone fractures over last 3 years with compression plating.Results: The mean age was 40.55±12.62. The mean operating time was 95±10.15 min. Mean time of fracture union was 10.65±1.82 weeks. 1 patient had superficial infection which was managed with intravenous antibiotics. 100% union was achieved in all our cases. We had excellent functional outcome in 16 patients (80%) and satisfactory outcome in 5 (20%) without any failure case.Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation with compression plates is the gold standard method of managing both bones forearm fractures with excellent functional results with least complications.