COMPARATIVE FUNCTIONAL AND RADIOLOGICAL OUTCOMES OF PLATING VERSUS INTRAMEDULLARY NAILING IN ADULT DIAPHYSEAL FRACTURES OF BOTH BONES OF THE FOREARM: A PROSPECTIVE OBSERVATIONAL STUDY

Background:Adult diaphyseal fractures of both radius and ulna present unique anatomical and biomechanical challenges. While plating is considered the gold standard, intramedullary nailing is less invasive and used in selected cases. This study evaluates and compares the functional and radiological outcomes of both surgical methods.

Aim: To assess clinical union,radiographic consolidation,complications, and functional outcomes of adult forearm diaphyseal fractures treated by plating and/or intramedullary nailing.

Methods: A prospective comparative study of 48 patients with adult both-bone forearm fractures was conducted between October 2017 and September 2019. Patients were divided into four groups (n=12 each): A (both plating), B (both nailing), C (radius plating + ulna nailing), D (radius nailing + ulna plating). Outcomes were assessed using DASH and Grace-Eversmann scores, time to union, ROM, and complications over a 9-month follow-up.