Stability of unicortical locked fixation versus bicortical non-locked fixation for forearm fractures

Locking plate fixation is being widely applied for fixation of forearm fractures and has many potential advantages, such as fixed angle fixation and improved construct stability, especially in osteoporotic bone. Biomechanical data comparing locking devices to commonly used Low Contact Dynamic Compression （LCDCP） plates for the fixation of forearm fractures has been lacking. The purpose of this study was to compare the fixation stability of a 3.5-mm unicortical locked plate with bicortical non-locked LCDCP plates. Six matched pairs of fresh frozen cadaveric forearms were randomly assigned to unicortical locked and bicortical unlocked groups. Non-destructive four-point bending and torsional test was performed on the ulna and radius separately, using a servohydraulic testing system to obtain construct stiffness of the intact specimens and specimens after osteotomy and plating. The specimens were then loaded to failure to test the fixation strength. The locked unicortical fixation showed significantly higher bending stiffness than the unlocked bicortical fixation, but with significantly lower stiffness and strength in torsion. Fixation strength was comparable between the two groups under bending, but significantly greater in the bicortical non-locked group under torsion. Findings from this study suggest that postoperative rehabilitation protocols may need modification to limit torsional loading in the early stage when using locked unicortical fixation. The study also points out the potential advantage of a hybrid fixation that combines locked unicortical and unlocked bicortical screws.

Successful results obtained in the treatment of adolescent forearm fractures with locked intramedullary nailing

Purpose:In the surgical treatment of paediatric forearm fractures,plate-screw and titanium elastic nails are used.During the transformation of ligamento-osseous structures from adolescence form into adult form,more stable fixation is required.The aim of this study was to evaluate the results of locked intramedullary nail fixation in adolescent forearm fractures.Methods:A retrospective examination was made on 36 adolescent patients who underwent surgery with locked intramedullary nail fixation due to a forearm fracture.The included patients were in the adolescent age group(12-17 years),did not meet conservative follow-up criteria and had unstable fractures(>10 angulation and<50%cortex continuity after plaster casting).Patients were excluded from the study if they were aged>18 years or<12 years,had Gustilo-Anderson type 2/3 open fractures,multitrauma,history of physeal injuries or could not be contacted during follow-up.Patients'age,gender,body mass index,affected side,and the pronation and supination values during follow-up were noted.Functional evaluation of the patients was performed with disabilities of the arm,shoulder and hand score and the surgical outcomes were evaluated according to the Price criteria.The time to union,infection during follow-up,re-fracture and vascular nerve damage were also examined.Data were analyzed using SPSS 22 Windows package program software.Results:The patients comprised 30 males and 6 females(ratio,5:1)with a mean age of(14.7±2.1)years(range,12-18 years).According to the Price criteria,the results of 33 patients were excellent,3 were good and there were no moderate or poor cases.The mean disabilities of the arm,shoulder and hand score was 11.2±6.1(range,4-28).The mean time to union was(8.7±2.2)weeks(range,6-14 weeks),while patients aged>15 years had prolonged time to union([11.1±1.8]weeks).There were no non-unions,re-fractures or infections.No complications were observed during implant removal.None of the patients had sensorial radial nerve injury or tendon damage.Conclusion:The locked intramedullary nailing technique,which is minimally invasive and provides biological fixation,was found to be successful and safe in the treatment of adolescent forearm fractures.

The Effect of Angulated Radius Fractures in Forearm Rotation: A Computer Based Model

Background: Forearm fractures amongst children are quite a common presentation. The accuracy of correct alignment in forearm bones is important as it determines the degree of forearm rotation (pronation-supination). However in children due to the potential for continuous growth, a degree of angulation is acceptable. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of angulation of forearm fracture on forearm rotation using computer stimulation. Methods: Using a 3D computer modelling software (Wildfire Pro Engineer 4.0, Creo by PTC, Needham, MA), an accurate to scale model of the radius and ulna was replicated from a 7 year old forearm. A realistic representation of pronation/supination of the forearm was applied and a fracture at the junction of proximal one third and distal two third was created. A rotational simulation was created and ended when maximum pronation and supination was reached. Maximum pronation and supination was reached when either no more rotation could occur due to a misalignment of the radius and ulna or there was a collision of the bones. The simulation was repeated in increments of angulation of 2° up to 26°. The angulations that resulted in a combined range of motion (50° pronation and 80° supination) less than 130° were recorded as unacceptable and the others were as acceptable. Findings: The study showed that radius angulation fracture of >16° in the proximal third of the radius would result in an unacceptable reduction of pronation-supination to less than 130°. Conclusion: Patients with more >16° of radius angulation in a distal third shaft fracture of the radius may result in clinical reduction in forearm rotation.

Minimally invasive treatment of forearm double fracture in adult using Acumed forearm intramedullary nail: A case report

BACKGROUND Currently,open reduction internal fixation is the conventional surgical method for treatment of double ulna and radius fracture.However,open reduction is associated with a high risk of complications.This case of forearm double fracture involved a patient treated using an Acumed intramedullary nail.The patient experienced good follow-up outcomes.The Acumed forearm intramedullary nail enables early functional exercise and hastens healing of the fracture.Few studies have reported on the use of this approach for the treatment of fractures.CASE SUMMARY A 23-year-old male patient was admitted to hospital after 5 h of pain,swelling,and limited activity of left forearm caused by a careless fall.Physical examination showed stable basic vital signs,swelling of the left forearm,and severe pain when pressing on the injured part of the forearm.Further,friction was felt at the broken end of the bone;the skin was not punctured.Movement of the left hand was normal,and the left radial artery pulse was normal.Three-dimensional computed tomography examination showed an ulna fracture of the left forearm and comminuted fracture of the radius.The fracture was located in the upper third of the radius,with significant displacement on the fracture side.Clinical diagnosis further confirmed the left radius comminuted fracture and ulna fracture.After analyzing the fracture pattern,age,and other patient characteristics,we chose an Acumed nail for treatment and achieved good follow-up outcomes.CONCLUSION Acumed forearm intramedullary nail for fixation of ulna and radius fracture reduced complication risk and resulted in good follow-up outcomes.

Fracture of proximal radius combined with dislocation of the radial head:a case report

Forearm fractures are prevalent which include radius fractures,ulna fractures,or both radius and ulna fractures.Proximal radius fractures combined with dislocations of the radial heads are rare and easily misdiagnosed.The authors present and discuss a case of proximal radius fractures associated with radial head dislocations.A 36 years old male was admitted to the hospital due to pain and activity limitation in his left elbow for 7 hours due to a car accident.An X-ray of the left elbow joint revealed a“left radius fracture with surrounding soft tissue edema”.During the procedure,the radial head was found to be dislocated forward.A 3.0 mm anchor was used to fix the annular ligament.Radius fractures combined dislocations of the radial heads are rare and may be missing the diagnosis.Before undergoing surgery,the possibility of elbow dislocation should be evaluated.Wire anchors can provide reliable fixation.

Comparison of Intramedullary Nailing versus Plating Fixation in the Treatment of Adult Diaphyseal Both-Bone Forearm

Objective: The purpose of this meta-analysis is to determine whether plating or intramedullary nailing(IMN) for adult diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures(BBFF) provides better clinical outcomes. Methods: MEDLINE, EMBASE, Google Scholar and The Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched until July 31, 2016.Both retrospective study and prospective trails about comparison of dual IMN or hybrid fixation versus dual plating fixation in the treatment of adult diaphyseal BBFF were included. Using Rev Man5.3 software, data of functional recovery, the union time,operating time and complication was extracted for meta-analysis. Results: The pooled analysis showed similar results in the union time, functional recovery and the rates of complications, but showed a significant difference in operating time. Conclusion: This meta-analysis demonstrates similar radiographic outcomes, functional outcomes and complications with plates or IMN used in the treatment of adult diaphyseal BBFF. IMN fixation for these fractures seems to be an alternative and effective treatment with shorter operating times and minimally invasive.