Interlocking Nailing of Forearm Fractures

Aim of the study : The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the results after treating diaphyseal fractures of the radius and ulna with an interlocking intramedullary nail.

Materials and methods : Between 2001 and 2005, 78 patients with 118 fractures were treated using the ForeSight intramedullary nail (Smith & Nephew, Memphis, USA). The average patient age was 37.02 years. In the postoperative period, early and late complications were evaluated through radiological and functional methods. The average period of follow-up was 25 months (range: 12–58 months).

Results : The average length of time to demonstrated bone healing was 14.2 weeks. Four cases of prolonged healing were observed. Pseudo-arthrosis formation did not occur. Assessment of function according to Anderson gave the following results: full range of movement in 88.6% of patients; mild restriction of movement in 10.1%; severe restriction of movement in 1.3% of patients. The implanted material was extracted from 27 patients. Refractures did not occur. Postoperative complications included: 1 superficial infection, 3 cases of incomplete radio-ulnar synostosis; one case of compartment syndrome.

Conclusions : Upon comparing the techniques of using plates with those of nailing in the treatment of forearm fractures, we have achieved comparable results with nailing. We therefore regard it as advantageous, in particular for treating open, serial and grossly comminuted fractures of the forearm bones.