Functional Outcome of Surgical Management of Fracture Both Bone Forearm in Adults Using Locking Compression Plate (LCP)

Background: The forearm has a complex architecture consisting of 2 mobile relatively parallel bones radius and ulna, which provide a stable link between elbow and wrist joint. Anatomic reduction and internal fixation of these fractures is usually required to restore forearm rotation, elbow and wrist motion, grip strength. The objective of the study is to know the functional outcome, union time and complications of treating diaphyseal fractures both bones forearm with locking compression plates.

Methods: A prospective study was done among 30 patients presenting to department of Orthopaedics in a tertiary referral centre who were diagnosed clinically and radiologically as both bone forearm fracture and those meeting the criteria of the study. The patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation with locking compression plate and the results was evaluated on the basis of fracture union, range of motion and complications.

Results: The study showed excellent elbow range of motion in 60% cases and satisfactory outcome in 40% of cases while range of motion of forearm was excellent in 83.3% of cases and satisfactory in 16.7% cases. Sixteen patients achieved union at 16 weeks, two cases united before 24 weeks and in one patient union were achieved after 24 weeks. Minimum union time was found to be 16 weeks and maximum time was 25 weeks. Mean union time was found to be 16.8 weeks.

Conclusion: Open reduction and internal fixation with Locking Compression Plate provides excellent functional outcome.