Outcome of forearm shaft fractures in adults treated by open reduction and internal fixation with Dynamic Compression Plate (DCP)

Objective: There have been a few reports on outcome after operative treatment of the adult daphyseal forearm fractures. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcome after open reduction and internal fixation of the forearm diaphyseal fractures by Dynamic Compression Plate (DCP). Methodology: We prospectively investigated the clinical and Radiographic outcome for 47 adult patients with 77 forearm shaft fractures including 10 Radius, 7 ulna and 30 (66) both bones. The study group included 35 males, and 12 females. Patients were treated by open reduction and internal fixation with small DCP and followed up for 12 months. Time to union, Rate of union, complications and outcome were assessed according to the modified system of Price and Daruwalla score. Results: Out of 77 fractures 75 (97.4%) had united at a mean time of 15.4 weeks (range 11- 21 weeks). There was two superficial infection that healed by debridement and antibiotics, and one deep infection which caused to delayed union and underwent reoperation including change of implant and bone graft. Two radial nerve injuries occurred after operation for radius fracture. Full recovery in one and partial in another patient was observed after 6 months. Excellent and good results were seen in 20 (66.7%) and 10 (33.3%) of the patients with both bone fractures. In radius excellent and good results were seen in 8 (80%) and 2 (20%) patients respectively. In ulna excellent and fair results were observed in 85.7% (n=6) and 14.3% (n=1) of the patients. Conclusion: Outcome of adults forearm shaft fractures with conventional 3.5 mm DCP was associated with a high rate of success. The results with this type of plate are comparable with the newer and more expensive implants.