[Osteosynthesis of forearm fractures using a P.C.D. "Small fragments" plate from A.O instruments. Apropos of 283 screwed plates].

The authors report the results of using 283 P.C.D. "petits fragments" plates by A.O. instruments, inserted between 1980 and 1989 for internal fixation of 207 forearm fractures. These included 97 double forearm fractures, 34 isolated ulnar fractures, 30 isolated radial fractures, 24 Monteggia fractures, 13 Galeazzi fractures and 9 pseudoarthroses of the radius or ulna. The mean delay to consolidation was 3.3 months with a range of 2 to 15 months. Complications included 1 hypertrophic callus of the ulna; 3 pseudoarthroses, 7 cases of sepsis (6 ulnar, 1 radius i.e. 2.5%); no plate ruptures occurred in this series. 125 plates were removed after consolidation (after 18 months); the fracture recurred in only one case where the plate was removed after 8 months. Results are based on 203 operated patients (4 lost to follow up). Before treatment of the complication, results showed 150 very good results (73.2%), 44 good results (21.5%) 1 moderate (0.5%) and 10 poor results (4.8%). After treatment of the complications there were 156 very good results (77%), 46 good results (22.5%) and 1 moderate result. In summary, forearm fractures are no longer a problem in traumatology. The P.C.D. "petits fragments" plate of A.O. instruments would appear to be particularly adapted and a bulkier implant (4.5 screw) is not required.