Patient Information Resources


Hand and Thumb Specialty Centers
8715 Village Drive
Suite 504
San Antonio, TX 78217
Ph: 210-251-4362
drcoleman@thatsc.net






Ankle
Fractures
Hand
Wrist

View Web RX

« Back

I had emergency surgery last week for a forearm fracture I got in a biking accident. The surgeon consulted with several other doctors before putting in a plate with six screws to hold the broken bone together. I wondered if the surgeon knew what he was doing but I was in no shape to argue. What do you think?

Forearm fracture sounds like a straight-forward problem. But surgeons face the difficulty of determining the best way to treat even seemingly simple problems like this one. For example, can this patient be treated nonsurgically with a cast or splint immobilization? If surgery is required, what's the best way to hold the fractured bone together until it heals? Should a metal plate and screws be used or is a long (intramedullary) nail down in the center of the bone better? It's likely these are the things your surgeon was discussing with his colleagues. A review of studies done in this area show that there aren't any studies directly comparing the two treatments. Any conclusions made come from looking all the studies over and making judgments that haven't been tested. In some studies the patients had one of the two forearm bones broken (radius or ulna) and some had both bones broken. The differences between the two bones are enough that ulnar fractures can't be compared to radial fractures as if they were the same. And treating fractures of both bones is clearly different than just treating one forearm bone fracture. There is a clear need for future research in this area. A direct comparison of results between plate and screw fixation and intramedullary nail fixation is needed. Until solid evidence is available to guide surgeons, collaborating with other surgeons is the next best thing in making individual patient decisions. Even with treatment guidelines, each patient can have unique features that require consideration It sounds like you are in good hands with a surgeon who doesn't rush into surgery without careful thought and planning. You can always ask him to review with you all the factors that went into the final decision.

References:

« Back





*Disclaimer:*The information contained herein is compiled from a variety of sources. It may not be complete or timely. It does not cover all diseases, physical conditions, ailments or treatments. The information should NOT be used in place of visit with your healthcare provider, nor should you disregard the advice of your health care provider because of any information you read in this topic.


All content provided by eORTHOPOD® is a registered trademark of Mosaic Medical Group, L.L.C.. Content is the sole property of Mosaic Medical Group, LLC and used herein by permission.