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Interlocking nailing of forearm fractures.
A Weckbach1, T R Blattert, Ch Weisser
1Trauma and Reconstructive Surgery, Wuerzburg University Hospital, Oberduerrbacher Str. 6, 97080, Wuerzburg, Germany. weckbach@chirurgie.uni-wuerzburg.de
Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery
|March 10, 2006
Summary
Intramedullary forearm fracture fixation with ForeSight nails shows promising results, achieving high healing rates and good functional outcomes. This technique offers comparable quality to plate osteosynthesis with minimal complications.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Traumatology
- Biomaterials Engineering
Background:
- Intramedullary techniques are standard for long-bone fractures, except for forearm fractures due to stability concerns.
- Plate osteosynthesis is the current standard for forearm fractures, despite challenges with torsional forces and non-union rates.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intramedullary ForeSight nails for forearm fracture osteosynthesis.
- To compare the outcomes of intramedullary nailing with traditional plate osteosynthesis for forearm fractures.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 32 patients (33 forearms) with forearm fractures treated with 40 intramedullary ForeSight nails.
- Clinical and radiographic follow-up at 6, 12, 26, and 52 weeks, with an average follow-up of 31.4 months.
Main Results:
- Average fracture healing time was 4.4 months for 36 fractures in 29 patients.
- 86% of patients achieved a free range of motion; DASH score averaged 13.7.
- Low complication rates: 1 non-union, 2 delayed unions, 2 radioulnar synostosis, 0 infections. No refractures post-explant removal.
Conclusions:
- Intramedullary ForeSight nails meet forearm's specific anatomical needs, providing adequate stability via static interlocking.
- The surgical technique is demanding but yields results comparable to plate osteosynthesis.
- No implant-related complications or refractures observed after implant removal to date.