Rw. Lindsey et al., EFFECTS OF RETAINED DIAPHYSEAL PLATES ON FOREARM BONE-DENSITY AND GRIP STRENGTH, Journal of orthopaedic trauma, 8(6), 1994, pp. 462-467
Numerous complications have been attributed to elective plate removal
following successful treatment of both bane diaphyseal forearm fractur
es, yet the effects of retained implants are not known. Fourteen patie
nts were reviewed for residual forearm grip strength (FGS) and bane mi
neral density (BMD) following uneventful union. Patients were analyzed
in two groups based upon time from fixation: group I, >2 years but le
ss than or equal to 5 years, and group II, >5 years. In group I, mean
2.6 years follow-up (n = 6), mean FGS ratios (patient values/age match
ed general population means) were 0.65 and 0.77, respectively, for pla
ted and normal limbs (p = 0.08). The mean BMD ratios of plated/normal
sides adjacent to the plate were 0.99 (ulna) and 1.02 (radius); these
values were not significantly different from more proximal forearm BMD
ratios (p = 0.92 ulna; p = 0.44, radius). In group II, mean 8.4 years
(n = 8), mean FGS ratios were 0.97 and 1.09, respectively, for plated
and normal limbs (p > 0.05). The BMD ratio was 1.04 adjacent to the p
late; this was not significantly different from the ratios measured aw
ay from the plate (p > 0.4). We conclude that retained forearm plates
can be well tolerated and that their routine removal is not indicated
based on FGS or BMD.