COMPARATIVE STUDY OF FOREARM FRACTURES TREATED WITH LOCKING COMPRESSION PLATE LIMITED CONTACT DYNAMIC COMPRESSION PLATE

OBJECTIVES: This study has been carried out to compare the functional outcome of fracture fixation in diaphyseal forearm fractures by using Locking Compression Plate versus Limited contact dynamic compression Plate. To study the difference in the duration of union & complications with LCP & LC-DCP. METHODOLOGY: It is a prospective randomised comparative study which was carried out from December 2012 to December 2014 in our Institution. In Group I, 20 patients were subjected to open reduction and internal fixation with 3.5 mm stainless steel LCP and locking head/nonlocking screws. In Group II, 20 patients were managed by 3.5mm LCDCP and non-locking screws. Clinical assessments regarding pain and function, radiological assessments were undertaken at the final follow-up. RESULTS-The time required for LCP fixation (mean 93.5 min, range 75-120 min) was found to be more than that required for LC-DCP (mean 81.94 min, range 60-110 min). But this time difference was not significant (P=0.07, unpaired t test). The mean time of union for the forearm fixed with LCP was found to be 18 weeks (range 14-26 weeks) in comparison to 16 weeks (range 10-22 weeks) for the LC-DCP group. CONCLUSION-LC plating is an effective treatment option for fractures shaft of forearm. The present study could not prove the superiority of LCP over LC-DCP. It is the proper application of the principles of plating and not the type of plate which decides the outcome. Further long-term multicentric study is required to prove behaviors of the implant.