Comparison the results of forearm both radius and ulna fractures that were treated with plate and intrameduller nail

ABSTRACT In this study, the result of 51 cases with fractures of ulna and radius were retrospectively evaluated in the periodof time between September 1994- February 2001. Eleven cases were female and 40 male, and the average age was 32 years(18-64). Twenty-one cases had the history of the traffic accident and 20 cases had multiple injuries. One brachial artery, three radial, and two median nerves were damaged. Three cases with open fracture had postoperative infection. Out of three cases, one case treated with plate and screw had deep infection, and required surgical debridement; and the other two cases had superficial infection. Postoperative paralysis was seen 2 cases because of intraoperative tourniquet application. Patients were controlled on an average 3 years(2-5). One of the 36 cases that was treated with plate delayed union(26 weeks). In other case, radius was united, but ulna was non-union. Except the patients mentioned above, union occurred on an average in 14 weeks(10-22). In all the 15 cases that were treated intramedullary nail, union occurred and average time to union was fixed 11 weeks(10-18). In two patients that were treated with plate and screw refracture occurred. When the cases were evaluated functionally according to the Anderson criteria, the results were excellent or good in 29 patients that treated with plate; in 14 patients the results were excellent or good that were treated with nail. In conclusion, minimal exposure necessity of the intramedullary nail, refracture and infection rate is low, having no necessity to removal implant or when removal it has an advantage as there is no need protection. For that reason, more successful results we get with intramedullary nail use in indications of fractures the shafts of both bones of the forearm. 101