A study of management of fractures of both bones forearm using locking compression plates

Locking compression plating is a popular method of fixation for the bones of the forearm and is associated with superior outcomes and less complication compared to external fixation and non-operative methods. Hence an attempt is made to evaluate its management in our patients in rural set up. This study is a hospital based prospective study conducted in the Department of Orthopaedics at R.L. J. Hospital and Research Centre, Kolar, from November 2014 to February 2016. 30 patients with both bone fractures of the forearm were managed with open reduction and internal fixation with locking compression plating and were followed up for 6 months at regular intervals. The average age of the patients was 33.8 years and majority were male, right side was common (60%), most of the fractures of both bones forearm are located in the middle third and the fracture pattern transverse/short oblique was commonest. The results were based on Anderson et al. (1975) scoring system and in this study, there were 25 (87 %) patients with excellent results and 5 (13 %) with satisfactory. A case of superficial infection which resolved with antibiotics and two cases of posterior interosseous nerve injury immediately following surgery, which recovered spontaneously are observed. Open reduction and internal fixation with locking compression plating is one of the ideal methods of fixation of both bones forearm shaft fractures as there is stable fixation and earlyunion. Most of the fractures in this study united within 4 months of surgery. It is concluded that with proper preoperative planning, adherence to AO principles and adequate post-operative rehabilitation locking compression plate provides excellent results.