Comparison of Locking versus Dynamic Compression Plates for Treatment of Diaphyseal Forearm Fracture

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To compare the clinical and radiologic outcomes of internal fixation using locking compression plate (LCP) or limited contact-dynamic compression plate (DCP) for patients with diaphyseal forearm fractures. METHODS: Forty-four patients with diaphyseal forearm fractures treated with either LCP (22 patients) or DCP (22 patients) were compared in regards to clinical outcomes, range of motion and Grace and Eversmann criteria at the last follow-up. Union rate and mean time to radiological union were also compared depending on comminution. RESULTS: Mean range of motion and Grace and Eversmann criteria between two groups did not show significant differences. Bony union was achieved in all patients. Although mean time to union was not different in simple fractures (15.5 weeks in LCP group vs. 13.8 weeks in DCP group), it was different between two groups in mutifragmentary fractures (14.8 weeks in LCP groups vs. 24 weeks in DCP group). CONCLUSION: Internal fixation using both LCP and DCP for diaphyseal forearm fractures yield satisfactory clinical and radiologic outcomes. In multifragmentary fractures, LCP can shorten radiologic union time than using DCP.