Abstract: Background: Malunion of forearm bones can cause problems in pronation and supination. Hence forearm fractures have to be treated with utmost care. Outcome of the treatment of fractures have to be considered anatomically and functionally as well. The outcome of the surgical procedures should be studied and reviewed periodically to aid the preparation of treatment protocol and future development in surgical techniques.
Objectives: To assess the outcome of the open reduction and internal fixation using plating technique used in the treatment of forearm fractures with respect to the union attained, restoration of normal forearm anatomy and the attainment of forearm movement.
Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted at a tertiary hospital in Bengaluru, India from July 2009 to July 2012. Patients with forearm fractures satisfying the inclusion criteria were treated by open reduction and internal fixation. These patients were followed up and at the end of 6 months, functional outcome was measured using Grace and Eversmann criteria. Results on continuous measurements were presented on Mean ± Standard Deviation and results on categorical measurements were presented in Percentage.
Results: Thirty-Six patients were included in the study of which 24 were males and 12 were females. The mean age of the study group was 40.47±9.12 years. Excellent functional outcome was seen in 11 (30.6%) patients whereas 15 (41.6%) had a good functional outcome, 9 (25%) patients had an acceptable outcome and 1 (2.8%) patient had an unacceptable functional outcome
Conclusion: Functional outcome following treatment of fractures of the shafts of the radius and ulna were good to excellent after open reduction and internal fixation using plating technique. There was no case of malunion or non union and complication suggesting the importance of following the AO principles of internal fixation.
