FUNCTIONAL RECOVERY AFTER MINIMALLY INVASIVE OSTEOSYNTHESIS IN FRACTURES OF THE SHAFT OF THE RADIUS AND ULNA

Abstract

Introduction. Closed intramedullary nailing and external fixation are minimally invasive treatment options in radial and ulnar shaft fractures. We found no comparative studies of these methods in the current literature. Objective. A comparative analysis of both methods in radial and ulnar shaft fractures treated by closed intramedullary nailing and external fixation. Material and methods. 63 patients with forearm shaft fractures treated by closed intramedullary nailing (group I); 24 patients treated by external fixation (group II). All patients were operated within 30 days after injury. Postoperatively, all patients were evaluated clinically (range of motion of elbow and wrist, rotation of the forearm) and radiologically. Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score was used to assess the functional status and quality of life. Results. The average time of radiological bone union in the group I and group II was 12,6 ± 1,4 weeks. and 12,7 ± 0,6 weeks, accordingly. Statistically significant differences in range of motion in the elbow and wrist occurred in 1 month after the surgery with the advantage in Group I. Restoration of rotation was faster in Group I up to 1 year after surgery. DASH scores in 2 month after the surgery were 11,2±1,96 in the nailing group (as in healthy population) and 45,2±6,7 in the external fixation group. In 6 months after surgery the subjective assessment of the quality of life did not differ in both groups. Conclusion. Both minimally invasive methods of surgical stabilization provide restoration of anatomy of the forearm and complete functional recovery in final outcome, but closed intramedullary nailing results with significantly more rapid restoration of range of motions and quality of life measures.

Keywords

• radius and ulna fractures
• closed interlocking intramedullary nailing
• external fixation