[Effectiveness of open reduction and internal fixation for bipolar fracture-dislocation of forearm].

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effectiveness of open reduction and internal fixation for bipolar fracture-dislocation of the forearm.

METHODS

Between June 2014 and March 2019, 14 patients with bipolar fracture-dislocation of the forearm were treated. There were 9 males and 5 females, aged from 19 to 52 years (mean, 34.9 years). There were 8 cases of falling injuries, 4 cases of traffic accident injuries, 1 case of sports injury, and 1 case of machine strangulation injury. The time from injury to admission was 2-48 hours, with an average of 16.6 hours. All patients were closed injuries. All patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation; the upper radioulnar joints were treated with circumferential ligament repair or lateral collateral ligament repair according to the joint stability. And the patients with lower radioulnar joint instability were also treated with the TightRope plate with loop fixation. After 3 weeks of plaster fixation, the patients started functional exercises. The fracture healing time, stability and range of motion of wrist and elbow joints, and forearm rotation function were recorded. The effectiveness was evaluated by Anderson's forearm function score at last follow-up.

RESULTS

The incisions healed by first intention. All 14 cases were followed up 12-36 months with an average of 24.8 months. All fractures healed, with an average healing time of 14.9 weeks (range, 12-18 weeks). The stabilities of the upper and lower radioulnar joints restored well. At last follow-up, the elbow flexion and extension range of motion was 65°-160°, with an average of 124.6°; the wrist flexion and extension range of motion was 115°-165°, with an average of 155.0°; the forearm rotation range of motion was 65°-165°, with an average of 154.6°. According to Anderson's forearm function score, 8 cases were excellent, 5 cases were good, and 1 case was unsatisfactory.

CONCLUSION

The treatment of bipolar fracture-dislocation of the forearm needs comprehensive consideration and individualized treatment plan. The focus is to restore the anatomical structure of the radius and ulna and firm internal fixation, stabilize the upper and lower radioulnar joints, and perform functional exercises as soon as possible after operation to obtain satisfactory effectiveness.