Management of ipsilateral trifocal fracture of the radius-a case report

Diaphyseal forearm fractures are commonly seen in clinical practice. However, segmental forearm fractures are relatively rare. We hereby present a case of surgical management of trifocal fracture of radius (mid-shaft of radius, distal end of radius and neck of radius fracture) with ipsilateral shaft ulna fracture.

A middle aged patient with ulnar shaft fracture and trifocal radius fracture was managed surgically with open reduction and internal fixation of all four fractures. The ulna was addressed first, to achieve alignment, followed by distal radius and shaft radius fixation through the same incision. A separate incision was used to address radial neck fracture.

A trifocal radius fracture with ulna shaft fracture has been rarely reported in the literature. Prompt surgical management of the complex fracture led to rapid and satisfactory recovery and good functional outcome for our patient.