Comparative Study of Outcome of Bothbone Forearm Fracture Treated with Rigid Fixation Vs Hybrid Fixation
Keywords:
N\AAbstract
Forearm fractures involving both the radius and ulna diaphysis are complex orthopaedic injuries requiring precise anatomical restoration for functional recovery. Traditional treatment involves rigid fixation using plates for both bones. However, hybrid fixation, combining intramedullary nailing (IMN) of the ulna with plate fixation of the radius, has emerged as a less invasive alternative.
Aim
The Aim Of The Study Is To Compare Outcome Of Bothbone Forearm Fracture Treated With Rigid Fixation Vs Hybrid Fixation.
Objective
- To observe and compare differences in clinical outcomes of different fixation methods for both-bone diaphyseal fractures plate fixation to radius and ulna and intramedullary nailing of ulna and plate fixation of radius
- To assess the time related to mobilize patients post operatively in both the methods
- To assess union and evaluate union time for both methods
- intramedullary nailing of ulna and plate fixation of radius
- To observe complications in the study of both fixation types.
- To compare Anderson score for both bone diaphyseal fractures plate fixation to radius and ulna and intramedullary nailing of ulna and plate fixation of radius
Methodology
A prospective, comparative study was conducted at Krishna Hospital, Karad, over 18 months involving 48 patients with diaphyseal fractures of both forearm bones. Patients were randomized into two groups: Group 1 received rigid fixation (plating of both bones), and Group 2 received hybrid fixation (IMN for ulna + plate for radius). Functional outcomes, union rates, operative times, and complications were evaluated using standard statistical tools.
Results
Hybrid fixation demonstrated significantly shorter mean union time (8.9 weeks vs 10.4 weeks, p=0.03), superior flexion/extension and pronation/supination ranges, and lower rates of malunion (4.2% vs 12.5%, p=0.03). Functional outcomes based on Anderson scores favoured hybrid fixation, especially in distal fractures. Both groups had comparable mobilization times and similar infection rates.
Discussion
Hybrid fixation offers the benefits of minimally invasive surgery while maintaining sufficient biomechanical stability. It yielded better functional outcomes, faster union, and fewer complications in select fracture types.
Conclusion
Hybrid fixation is a viable alternative to rigid fixation for adult both-bone forearm fractures. With proper patient selection, it provides faster healing and better function, making it a suitable option in modern orthopaedics practice
Downloads
References
Rao MR, Kader E, Sujith SV, Thomas V. Nail-plate combination in management of fracture both bone forearm. J Bone Joint Surg (Br) 2002;84(B):252-253.
Rao R. A prospective study of pediatric forearm bone fractures treated with closed intramedullary square nailing. J.Orthopaedics 2009;6(1):12-12.
Lee YH, Lee SK, Chung MS, Baek GH, Gong HS, Kim KH. Interlocking contoured intramedullary nail fixation for selected diaphyseal fractures of the forearm in adults. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2008;90(9):1891- 1898.
Barry M, Paterson JMH. Flexible intramedullary nails for fractures in children. J Bone Joint Surg Br. 2004;86:947-953.
Street DM. Intramedullary forearm nailing. Clin Orthop Relat Res. 1986;212:219-230
Sage FP. Medullary fixation of fractures of the forearm. J bone joint surgery Am. 1959;41:1489-1452.
Talwalkar AK, Talwalkar CA. internal fixation of fractures of radius and ulna in adults with Talwalkar intramedullary nails. Indian J Orthop. 1967;1(1):26-30
Droll KP, Perna P, Potter J, Harniman E, Schemitsch EH, McKee MD. Outcomes following plate fixation of fractures of both bones of the forearm in adults. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2007 Dec;89(12):2619-24.
Bartoníček J, Kozánek M, Jupiter JB. History of operative treatment of forearm diaphyseal fractures. J Hand Surg Am. 2014 Feb;39(2):335-42.
Joseph Schaztker – The rationale of operative care, 3rd Edi. P137
Bohler H Treatment of fractures. Wright, Bristol,1936; p421.
Charnley J Closed treatment of common fractures, 3rdedn. Livingstone, Edinburgh, 1961.
Hughston JD Fractures of the distal third shaft radius, mistakes in management. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 31-A, 1947; 755-764.
Nicolysen J. Lidt on diagnosen of Behandlungen av. Fr colliFemoris. Nord Med 1897;8:1
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
You are free to:
- Share — copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format
- Adapt — remix, transform, and build upon the material for any purpose, even commercially.
Terms:
- Attribution — You must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use.
- No additional restrictions — You may not apply legal terms or technological measures that legally restrict others from doing anything the license permits.