Functional Outcome of Internal Fixation of Radial and Ulna Fracture

Background: Displaced fractures of radius and ulna bones in adults are usually treated with open reduction and internal fixation. The purpose of this research was to access functional outcome of these fractures. Materials and Methods: In this research 52 Patients who underwent ORIF with DCP 3.5 in past 5 years were investigated. Post-operation protocol was one week immobilization and then active elbow and forearm motion and then muscle strengthening after 2 months. The patients were followed for 18 months and were assessed clinically for forearm and wrist ROM & grip strength & functionally with DASH questionnaire. Findings: Pronation of the affected forearm by comparison with supination of unaffected forearm was reduced. Wrist and elbow flexion and extension were the same. Grip strength was reduced compared with unaffected limb. DASH questionnaire demonstrated high patient satisfaction. Conclusion: Anatomic reduction and internal fixation is the standard method for treatment of fractures by displacing radios and ulna in adults. According to results, it seems more intension to motions specially pronation and muscle strengthening foream after surgery will have affect on improving patients’ function specially pronation and Grip strength.