Publication:

Comparing titanium elastic nailing and plate osteosynthesis in treating both bone diaphyseal fractures of forearm in children

Background The present study aimed to compare the outcome of fixation of diaphyseal fractures of both bones of forearm using plate osteosynthesis (PO) and titanium elastic nail (TEN).

Methods This comparative non-randomized clinical trial was done on children aged 5 to 15 years, with diaphyseal fractures of both bone forearm fractures, operated and managed at the department of orthopedics, Assam Medical College and Hospital, Dibrugarh. Intra- and post-operative findings were compared between PO and TEN group patients.

Results Duration of hospital stay was significantly lower in patients in the TEN group (44.75±6.38 minutes) as compared to those in the PO group (69.71±5.91 minutes), p value <0.01. Similarly, duration of hospital stay was significantly lower in patients in the TEN group (5.01±0.67 days) as compared to those in the PO group (8.32±1.44 days), p value <0.05. Based on price criteria, 80% of the patients in the PO group and 85% in TEN group had excellent functional outcome. Radiological union time, maximum radial bow and location of maximal radial bow were found to be statistically similar in the two groups. Complication rate was similar in the two study groups.

Conclusions Based on the results of the present study, we conclude that both PO and TEN are be safely performed in children with diaphyseal both bone forearm fractures. With comparable functional and radiological outcomes, future studies are required before one technique can be recommended over the other.