Comparison of the clinical and radiographic outcomes of plate fixation versus new-generation locked intramedullary nail in the management of adult forearm diaphyseal fractures

Objective: This study aimed to compare functional and radiographical outcomes following intramedullary nailing (IMN) versus plate and screw osteosynthesis in managing patients with diaphyseal forearm fractures.

Methods: Forty-six patients (27 male, 19 female) were included in this retrospective study. Of these, 25 were treated with plate osteosynthesis and 21 with IMN. The mean age was 32.4 (range, 19–67) years in the plate group and 28.8 (range, 18–64) years in the IMN group. The mean follow-up was 22.3 (range, 12–36) months in the IMN group and 24.8 (range, 12–48) months in the plate group. Functional outcomes were evaluated based on the forearm pronation/supination range of motion, grip strength, Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score, and Grace-Eversmann scoring criteria.

Results: The median time to union was 13.6 weeks in the plate group and 10.9 weeks in the IMN group (p<0.05). Union was achieved in 24 of 25 patients in the plate group (96%) and all patients in the IMN group (100%). The mean operative time was 69.7 (range, 45–110) minutes in the IMN group and 88.2 (range, 50–130) minutes in the plate group. The mean fluoroscopy time was 2.7 seconds in the plate group and 21.3 seconds in the IMN group. The mean length of hospital stay was five (range, 3–9) days in the plate group and four (range, 3–10) days in the IMN group. The mean operative time was significantly shorter in the IMN group (p < 0.05), while the mean fluoroscopy time was longer in the IMN group (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference between the groups in forearm pronation and supination, grip strength, DASH score, and Grace-Eversmann scoring criteria.

Conclusion: Locked IMNs seem a viable alternative to ORIF with plate osteosynthesis for adult diaphyseal forearm fractures with similar healing rates, functional scores, and shorter operative times.

Level of Evidence: Level III, Therapeutic Study

Cite this article as: Polat O, Toy S. Comparison of the clinical and radiographic outcomes of plate fixation versus new-generation locked intramedullary nail in the management of adult forearm diaphyseal fractures. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc. 2022;56(5):321-326.