INTRAMEDULLARY NAILING OF FRACTURES OF TH E FOREARM - RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF 18 YEARS

Between 1976 and 1993 we have operated 253 patients with 350 fractures of the radius-and/or ulna. 180 fractures were stabilized with a plate (ASIF) or external fixation. In 100 patients with 170 fractures Hacke thal's bundle nailing was performed, including 23 times nailing of one bone and external fixation or plating of the other bone. Our indicati ons for Hackethal's bundle nailing of forearm fractures are closed and 1 degrees open A and B-fractures of the 2. to 5. sixth of the radius and/or the ulna. 83 of 100 patients, stabilized with bundle nailing, w ere followed up clinically and radiologically after a mean of 6.8 year s. For evaluating follow-up results, the score by Oestern and Tscherne was employed, Very good and good results were found in 74.7%, satisfy ing and poor results in 25.2% of the cases. Injuries of the same extre mity, e.g. fractures of the humerus, arterial- or nerve lesions interf ered with the results, We found a low complication rate after bundle n ailing: 1 osteomyelitis (0.59%), 3 non-unions (1.76%), 1 refracture (0 .59%), 5 synostoses (4.12%, incl. 2 patients (1.18%) with a combinatio n of bundle nailing and plate osteosynthesis or external fixation). In the mentioned indications the stabilization of forearm fractures by H ackethal's bundle nailing is a low risk method with fast bone healing and short operation time.