A forearm is the portion of the arm situated between the wrist and elbow. A forearm is made of two bones that are relatively parallel to each other, namely radius and ulna.
Forearm fracture refers to the condition in which the bones in the forearm, i.e., the radius and ulna are either broken or cracked. The break or crack could be located anywhere across the forearm – near the wrist, at the middle or towards the end of the bones near the elbow.
The decision about surgery is made by the orthopaedic doctor post investigation of the patient’s reports such as X-Ray, CT or the MRI. Once the patient’s vitals are stable and the surgical decision is finalised, the doctor explains the process and the outcomes of the surgery to the patient and the attenders.
The patient is usually made to lie down in the supine position on the operating table, and an examination from the axilla to the hand is done. In most of the cases, a lateral approach is used.
Pointed reduction forceps are used to cause reduction in the fracture. K-wires are then used to cause temporary fixation of fragments.
To curb the existing infection and minimize the chances of postoperative infections, the doctor prescribes suitable antibiotics.
A capsular incision is made carefully in the fracture site, protecting the radial nerve. The surgery and placement of the plate necessarily has to happen at the Hotchkiss Safe Zone.
Post the temporary fixation of the fracture, the plate is applied using a 2.7mm preliminary cortex screw. Due to the specifically designed plate, it may not be required to bend. In cases where the bending might be necessary, the same can be done using specified bending pliers. After this, the required screws are inserted to keep the plate in place. The insertion of screws may be done either manually or using the specified drilling tool.