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Authors of section

Authors

Andrew Howard, Theddy Slongo, Peter Schmittenbecher

Executive Editor

James Hunter

General Editor

Fergal Monsell

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Open reduction; bridge plating

1. Introduction

General considerations

Plating is the standard technique for treating forearm fractures in adults and is therefore best considered for skeletally mature or nearly mature children.

Children with open physes have thick active periosteum favoring stability and rapid healing with the ESIN method. Where such techniques are unavailable plating may be used in younger children.

If technically possible, ESIN is biologically favored. If plating is used, soft-tissue and periosteal stripping of the bone should be minimized.

Plating of multifragmentary forearm shaft fractures

Plating of pediatric forearm shaft fractures follows the technique for plate fixation in adults.

For multifragmentary forearm shaft fractures, bridge plating may be applied. This results in relative fracture stability.

Plating of multifragmentary forearm shaft fractures

2. Principles

Instruments and implants

A small fragment set consists of:

  • 2.7 or 3.5 mm plates and screws
  • Power driver
  • 2.7 or 3.5 mm insertion set
Instruments and implants

Choice of implant

The requirements for internal fixation of complex multifragmentary forearm fractures include:

  • The plate should span any comminuted zone and provide at least a three-hole segment over each main fragment, with at least two bicortical screws in each main fragment.
  • Well-spaced screws to distribute the stresses on the bone-implant composite for each main fragment
Choice of implant

Plate position

Depending on the surgical approach, the plate will be applied to either the anterior or posterior surface of the radius.

In the following example, a plate applied to the anterior surface is illustrated.

Plate position

Plate contouring

The plate may need to be contoured to conform to the morphology of the radial shaft.

Choice of approach

For proximal radial shaft fractures, the anterior approach (Henry) is most often used to minimize the risk of damage to the posterior interosseous nerve, which crosses the proximal radius within the supinator.

In mid and distal radial shaft fractures, either the anterior approach (Henry) or posterolateral approach (Thompson) can be used, depending on surgeon’s preference.

3. Patient preparation

This procedure is normally performed with the patient in a supine position.

esin

4. Reduction

Reduction and fracture stability in children

Children’s periosteum is thick, tough tissue and is often intact on the concave (compression) side of a fracture.

Reduction maneuvers should be gentle to take advantage of stability of an intact periosteum.

Exaggeration of the fracture deformity may be required to loosen the periosteum and allow for gentle reduction.

In pediatric fractures there is often a combination of patterns of bone failure. Residual plastic deformity may prevent anatomical reduction of some of the fracture edges. Provided the alignment of the bone is anatomical and overall reduction is stable it is not necessary to perfectly reduce the entire fracture.

Open reduction

Reduce the fracture without extensive dissection of the fracture zone, using a reduction forceps on each main fragment.

The use of blunt, as opposed to pointed, reduction forceps can be helpful, particularly if greater forces are required.

Open reduction with forceps

Fix the plate to one fragment and then reduce the other main fragment onto the plate maintaining length, alignment and rotation.

Maintaining fracture reduction with plate

Plate assisted reduction and distraction using a laminar spreader and a screw (push-pull technique)

The plate is fixed to the proximal main fragment using a standard screw though the end hole.

Check that the rotational alignment is correct.

An independent screw is inserted into the distal main fragment a short distance (1-1.5 cm) beyond the distal end of the plate.

Use a laminar spreader between the independent screw and the end of the plate to distract the fracture, restoring length and axial alignment.

Plate assisted reduction and distraction using a laminar spreader and a screw (push-pull technique)

5. Plate length and number of screws

Three bicortical screws are suggested in each main fracture fragment due to the high torsional stresses.

Depending on its size, the intermediate fragment(s) may be fixed with bicortical screws or spanned by the plate, remembering that bridge plating is to achieve relative stability.

Plate length and number of screws

6. Fixation

Plate positioning

Make sure that the plate is seated on the bone without any soft-tissue interposition apart from periosteum which should not be stripped.

In rare cases, the posterior interosseous nerve is identified. In such cases it is recommended that the position of the nerve in relationship to the plate be noted and documented in the operation report.

Insertion of 1st screw

Align a suitable plate to the bone, keeping in mind the shape of the yet unreduced fracture fragment.

Insert a neutral screw through the plate into one of the main fragments near the fracture line.

Insertion of 1st screw

Insertion of 2nd screw

Insert a screw through the plate onto the other main fragment.

Insertion of 2nd screw

Optional: Fixation of intermediate fragment(s)

Secure the intermediate fragment(s) to the plate with a screw(s) if appropriate.

Completed osteosynthesis

Before inserting additional screws check reduction of the fracture and rotation of the forearm.

Insert the remaining screws.

Completed osteosynthesis

7. Final assessment

Check the completed osteosynthesis with image intensification. These images should be retained for documentation or alternatively an x-ray should be obtained before discharge.

Make sure that the plate is at the correct location, the screws are of appropriate length and the desired reduction has been achieved.

Radiological confirmation

Stabilize the elbow at the epicondyles and check the forearm rotation.

Check the forearm rotation.

8. Aftercare following plating

Immediate postoperative care

Whilst the child remains in bed, the forearm should be elevated on pillows to reduce swelling and pain.

open reduction plate fixation

Casting or Splinting

Plate fixation of forearm fractures is intrinsically stable and supplementary casting or splinting is therefore not required.

Some surgeons prefer a long or short splint for 2-3 weeks postoperatively for comfort.

Analgesia

Ibuprofen and paracetamol should be administered regularly during the first 4-5 days of injury, with additional oral narcotic medication for breakthrough pain.

If the level of pain is increasing the child should be examined.

Neurovascular examination

The child should be examined regularly, to ensure finger range of motion is comfortable and adequate.

Neurological and vascular examination should also be performed.

Compartment syndrome should be considered in the presence of increasing pain, especially pain on passive stretching of muscles, decreasing range of active finger motion or deteriorating neurovascular signs, which are a late phenomenon.

See also the additional material on postoperative infection.

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Compartment syndrome

Compartment syndrome is a possible early postoperative complication that may be difficult to diagnose in younger children.

The presence of full passive or active finger extension, without discomfort, excludes muscle compartment ischemia.

If there are signs of a compartment syndrome:

  1. If the child is in a cast, split the cast, along its full length down to skin level.
  2. Elevate the limb.
  3. Encourage active finger movement.
  4. Reexamine the child after 30 min.

If a definitive diagnosis of compartment syndrome is made, then a fasciotomy should be performed without delay.

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Discharge care

Discharge from hospital follows local practice and is usually possible after 1-3 days.

The parent/carer should be taught how to assess the limb.

They should also be advised to return if there is increased pain or decreased range of finger movement.

It is important to provide parents with the following additional information:

  • The warning signs of compartment syndrome, circulatory problems and neurological deterioration
  • Hospital telephone number
  • Information brochure

For the first few days, the elbow and forearm can be elevated on a pillow, until swelling decreases and comfort returns.

The arm can be placed in a sling for a few days until the patient is pain free. Many children are more comfortable without support.

Mobilization

Early movement of the forearm should be encouraged as soon as the patient is pain free.

Formal physiotherapy is normally not indicated, but children should have a sheet of exercises to stimulate mobilization.

Follow-up

The first clinical and radiological follow-up depends on the age of the child and is usually undertaken 4 weeks postoperatively.

At this point, the child should be able to move the forearm almost fully.

AP and lateral x-rays are required.

See also the additional material on healing times.

Plate removal

Plate removal is delayed for at least 6 months.

An asymptomatic plate that does not interfere with forearm rotation can be left in place minimizing complications associated with implant removal.