Adult Both Bone Forearm Frx: PreOp Planning

Location of Frx

• distal 1/3  : 75%
• middle 1/3  : 18%
• proximal 1/3:  7%

Surgical Approach

• Proximal Radius Fx (Thompson)
• Distal Radius Fx (Henry)

Comminution

• side of comminution may dictate plate placement;
• comminution involving more than 1/3 of circumference of shaft may necessitate bone grafting;
• bone grafting should be away from interosseous membrane to decrease risk for synostosis;
• reference:
  • The management of segmental bone loss associated with forearm fractures.

Lag Screw

• see: lag screw theory:
• may be possible with oblique fractures;

Implants for Frx of Radius & Ulna

• plate needs sufficient length for 4-6 cortices on either side;

Reduction Clamps

• ensure that a wide variety of reduction clamps are available, especially if there is fracture comminution