Study of Titanium Elastic Nailing in Forearm Fractures in Elderly Patients

Abstract

Background: As operative techniques and the quality of implants are improving, surgical management of diaphyseal fractures of forearm bones in elderly patients is gaining widespread acceptance. Titanium elastic nailing system (TENS) provides flexural, axial, translational, and adequate rotational stability. This study aims to analyze the outcomes of the treatment of diaphyseal forearm bone fracture with TENS nail. Methods: Elderly patients with both-bone forearm (BBFA) fractures in diaphysis were evaluated clinically and radiologically and followed for an average of six months. The outcome was assessed using the Grace-Eversmann scoring system. We followed up with all 25 patients and evaluated them every two weeks until the fracture united.  Results: After approval of the ethics committee, twenty-five elderly patients with AO type 22A3 and 22B3 fractures of the forearm bone who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were taken for the study. The mean age of the participants was 65 years. The average time to bone union was 12 weeks, and the average surgery time was 35 minutes. There was a superficial infection in one case. Most patients had a full range of elbow and wrist movements after the union.  Conclusion: The TENS is an acceptable and good tachnique for displaced BBFA diaphyseal fractures in elderly patients. It is easy, cheap, and convenient and gives elastic mobility, promoting a rapid union of fractures and stability, which is ideal for early mobilization. It provides a lower complication rate, shorter surgery time, good cosmetic outcome, and easy implant removal.