Corrective osteotomy in forearm fracture malunion improves functional outcome in adults

Malunions of forearm fractures in adults can present with limitation of forearm rotation, or as distal radioulnar joint instability with functional impairment. This contrasts with paediatric patients in whom malunions of similar severities are often better tolerated. We did a retrospective review of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of hand surgery, European volume European volume, 2011-02, Vol.36 (2), p.102-106
Main Authors: Chia, D. S. Y., Lim, Y. J., Chew, W. Y. C.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adolescent
Adult
Biological and medical sciences
Diseases of the osteoarticular system
Elbow Joint - physiopathology
Female
Fractures, Malunited - physiopathology
Fractures, Malunited - surgery
Humans
Injuries of the limb. Injuries of the spine
Male
Medical sciences
Middle Aged
Orthopedic surgery
Osteotomy - methods
Radius - surgery
Radius Fractures - surgery
Range of Motion, Articular
Surgery (general aspects). Transplantations, organ and tissue grafts. Graft diseases
Traumas. Diseases due to physical agents
Ulna - surgery
Ulna Fractures - surgery
Wrist Joint - physiopathology
Young Adult
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Summary:Malunions of forearm fractures in adults can present with limitation of forearm rotation, or as distal radioulnar joint instability with functional impairment. This contrasts with paediatric patients in whom malunions of similar severities are often better tolerated. We did a retrospective review of six adult patients after corrective forearm osteotomy for symptomatic malunited forearm shaft fractures. The corrective operations were done between 7 and 168 months after initial injury, using oblique or wedge osteotomies. Median follow-up was 22.5 months. The patients recovered well, with statistically significant improvement in forearm rotation and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) scores. No significant complications occurred.
ISSN:1753-1934
2043-6289
DOI:10.1177/1753193410380585