The possibility of forearm rotation maintenance during transosseous osteosynthesis of radius (an experimental-and-clinical study)

The rotational contracture of forearm during transosseous osteosynthesis of the radius injured develops in 30-83 % of cases and is caused by soft tissue fixing to bone. The displacements of forearm skin, fascia and muscles relative to radius were studied for pronation of 70, 25, 10 and supination of 85, 30, 10. As a result the «reference positions» were determined, recommended for pin insertion with the complete and partial preservation of rotation. The range of rotation movements up to 10/0/10 should be recommended for patients subjected to transosseous osteosynthesis for radius fracture in the proximal third; and that to 25/0/30 in case of osteosynthesis of the fracture in the middle or distal third. Otherwise the risk of soft tissue damage increases as well as that of infection complication development. The data obtained were approved officially in treatment of 9 patients. The range of rotation movements conformed to the recommended one throughout the period of fixation. No complications were observed.