Results of internal fixation forearm shaft fractures

ABSTRACT

98 forearm shaft freactures were treated by AO plating. There were 3 surgeons oprating. Open fractures occurred in 18% of the fractures. Reviews after a mean of 20 months after the accident showed solid union in 95% of the fractures and satisfactory functional results in 88% of the forearms. Superficial infection occurred in 14 cases while deep infection occurred in 6 cases. Nonunion occurred in 4 bones necessitating operative intervention. 3 cases had cross union limiting supination and pronation. 6 patients sustained with the fractures nerve injury, and 2 cases during operation. All were repaired, but only 3 recovered, and tendon transfer was performed for these unrecovered cases. The results show that internal fixation with AO plates gives a satisfactory method for treatment of forearm shaft fractures provided that aseptic proper techniques are used