Analysis of functional outcome of complex forearm injuries

Authors

  • Saranjeet Singh Jagdev Department of Orthopedics, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Gujarat, India
  • Subodh Kumar Pathak Department of Orthopedics, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Gujarat, India
  • Abhijeet Salunke Department of Orthopedics, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Gujarat, India
  • Pritam Maheshwari Department of Orthopedics, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Gujarat, India
  • Prahlad Ughareja Department of Orthopedics, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Gujarat, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/issn.2455-4510.IntJResOrthop20173087

Keywords:

Open fractures, Complex injury, Forearm fracture, Flaps, DASH

Abstract

Background: Complex forearm injuries are often associated with contamination, crushing, loss of tissues and patient arrives at odd hours when specialists are not available. These injuries can lead to complications like infective non-union, stiffness, disabilities and secondary amputations.

Methods: 23 patients having complex forearm injuries treated primarily at tertiary care center by single surgeon were included in the study. Pinch strength, grip strength, residual deformity and DASH score was assessed at final follow-up. In 23 patients treated, 16 patients underwent primary internal fixation of both bone, primary external fixator was done in 4 patient, delayed fixations in 6patients, primary bone grafting in 3 patients and in 1 patient delayed bone grafting was done Skin grafting was performed in 6 cases, and flaps in 13 patients. Vascular repair was done in four patients.

Results: All 23 patients came for follow-up. An average number of surgery performed per patient was 3.81 and mean hospital stay of 28.2 days. The mean duration of follow up was 47.2 months. The average DASH score was 10.24 with average key and tip pinch and grip strength of 62.24%, 58.48% and 54.75% respectively. 3 patients had superficial infection and two patient deep infections. Superficial infections were managed with IV antibiotics. The patients with nerve and vascular injuries had higher DASH score.

Conclusions: Early wound coverage can improve functional outcomes. Training in plastic coverage of wounds using pedicle flaps and skin grafting, microsurgical nerve and vessel repairs for orthopedic surgeon can be of great help for the patients.

Author Biographies

Saranjeet Singh Jagdev, Department of Orthopedics, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Gujarat, India

Associate Professor, Department of Orthopedics

Subodh Kumar Pathak, Department of Orthopedics, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Gujarat, India

Assistant Professor, Department of OrthopedicsV

Abhijeet Salunke, Department of Orthopedics, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Gujarat, India

Orthopedics Oncosurgeon

Pritam Maheshwari, Department of Orthopedics, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Gujarat, India

Junior Resident ,Department of Orthopedics

Prahlad Ughareja, Department of Orthopedics, Pramukhswami Medical College, Karamsad, Gujarat, India

Junior Resident ,Department of Orthopedics

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Published

2017-08-24

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Original Research Articles