European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Aim: to determine the diaphyseal fracture of radius fixation using modified lateral approach and lateral platting.
Materials and Methods: This retrospective observational study was carried out in the Department of Orthopaedics, Sri Krishna Medical College and Hospital, Muzaffarpur, Bihar, India, for 13 months. Total 30 Patients with Fracture of both bone forearm and isolated fracture of radius, who underwent radial fixation using modified lateral approach, were included in the study. Preoperative evaluation includes routine musculoskeletal examination with more focus on radial pulse, muscles supplied by PIN and sensation in dorsum of hand. Anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of forearm were obtained to evaluate fracture characteristics. The Active range of motion (ROM) of contralateral forearm and wrist were recorded by physiotherapist. Surgery was done under regional block and tourniquet. 
Results: Out of 30 patients 20 were male and 10 were female underwent ORIF of radius using modified lateral approach. Of which 24 patients had both bone forearm fracture and 6 had isolated radius fracture. The average age at the time of the procedure was 35.5 years (range 17 to 55 years). 19 patients had involvement of right forearm and 11 on left forearm. The average duration of time since injury to surgery is 2.8 days (ranging from 1- 6 days). Average tourniquet time for radius fixation using lateral approach was 33 minutes (range from 23 to 53 minutes). All ulna fracture and all but 2 radius fracture were united at six months post op. One radius went for delayed union and united at 9 months follow up. Fracture union rate is 100% at one year in our study. At one year follow up arc of forearm rotation was 141.30 (89.8% compared to normal side) and arc of wrist motion was 141.80 (93.5% compared to normal side).
Conclusion: Thedirect lateral approach less traumatic as the surgical plane is devoid of vital neurovascular structure. The clinical and radiological results were comparable to studies which used standard volar and dorsal approaches.