Functional and Radiological Evaluation of Use of Locking Compression Plating (LCP) in Treatment of Forearm Fractures in Adults

Background: Forearm fractures are on a constant rise globally, particularly prevalent among the younger demography. Though the management of these injuries operatively is well documented, use of LCP is relatively recent. There is lack of substantial evidence regarding the efficacy of LCP in comparison to other novel implants to treat forearm fractures. Objective: This study aims to find out the functional and radiological outcomes after using 3.5 mm locking compression plating (LCP) in treatment of forearm fractures in adults and to assess the complications, associated with the surgical management of these fractures. Methods: This observational follow up study comprised 36 patients who underwent Open Reduction Internal Fixation (ORIF) for treatment of forearm fractures at a tertiary care centre in north India, between July 2022 to Aug 2023. Radiological and functional outcome were assessed and followed up 1st, 3rd, 6th and 12th month postoperatively. Final functional and radiological outcome was carried out using Quick DASH score and Anderson criteria respectively. Results: Total 36 patients involved in this study were followed up till a duration of 12 months. Mean age was calculated out to be 33.83 ± 10.93 years ranging from 18-58 years. In the study, the primary cause for forearm fractures was attributed to road traffic accidents (n=25, 69.44%). The mean radiological union time was 13.8 weeks ranging from 9-18 weeks with 2 cases of non-union who underwent autologous bone grafting. Among 36 cases, 34 (94.44%) had no complications but the rest 2 (5.55%) had complications (superficial Surgical Site Infections’ (SSI’s) which were successfully treated using antibiotic therapy. Conclusion: Use of LCP in forearm fractures provides good to excellent results with very limited complications.