Intramedullary osteosynthesis of the bones of the forearm: history and modernity

Due to the widespread introduction of the AO concept of the need to fix diaphyseal fractures of the forearm bones with interlocked plates, intramedullary osteosynthesis of the forearm bones has been used for very limited indications. This review examines the evolution of intramedullary osteosynthesis, examines existing techniques, and defines the main requirements for high-quality intramedullary osteosynthesis – restoring the length and axis of each bone, preserving the curvatures of the radius and ulna, ensuring perfect reposition and stable fixation. There are publications in which comparing the long-term outcomes of osteosynthesis of the forearm bones by both skeletal and intraosseous methods no significant superiority of one of the methods is revealed, but at the same time less trauma of the surrounding tissues is recognized, which makes the intramedullary osteosynthesis of the forearm bones closer to the principles of modern osteosynthesis.