Forearm Plate Fixation: Should Plates Be Removed?

BACKGROUND

Refracture after both bone forearm fracture fixation may vary with or without plate removal. We tested the null hypothesis that there is no difference in the rate of refracture in patients who have undergone open reduction and internal fixation of a diaphyseal forearm bone who have retained implants versus removed implants. We also studied factors associated with plate removal.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified 645 adult patients with a total of 925 primary fractures that underwent primary plate fixation of an ulnar or radial shaft fracture between 2002 and 2015 at a single institutional system. Patients with nonunion, pathological fracture or infection were excluded. Independent factors associated with refracture and plate removal were identified using multivariable analysis.

RESULTS

Refractures occurred in 6.3% of the fractures that had forearm implant removal, compared to 2.1% of the fractures with retained plates. Refractures were independently associated with plate removal (OR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.2-11.7, ) and was more frequent in the radius (OR: 2.4, 95% CI: 1.0-5.8, ). A refracture after implant removal occurred within 3 months after removal. Ulnar plates were removed more often compared to radial plates (OR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.4-4.7, ) as were plates used for type A fractures compared to type C fractures (OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.1-9.2, ).

CONCLUSION

The rate of refracture is higher after plate removal compared to patients who did not have plates removed. Although uncommon, refractures of the radius tend to be more common than a refracture of the ulna. If the implant is symptomatic on the ulnar side, it may be preferable to remove the ulnar implant and retain the radius implant rather than remove both plates when possible. Furthermore, limiting strenuous activity for three months after implant removal is a consideration.