A Clincal Study of Type IIIc Open fracture of the Forearm

Yoon, Hyung Ku; Jeon, Kwang Pyo; Oh, Kuk Hwan; Kim, Dong Jun; Jung, Young Jin

Abstract

In 1984, Gustilo subgrouped type III open fracture into III a, III b and III c according to the severity, soft tissue damage and vascular injury. Type III c open fracture presents serious problems especially possible amputation due to vascular insufficiency, so emergency vascular surgery with bone fixation by using plate, IM nail fixator is mandatory. We reviewed 10 cases of type III c open fracture of the forearm and evaluated the bone healing process according to fixation method, intramedullary nailing and plating treated at Orthopaedic Department of Sung-Ae General Hospital from Feb. 1986 to Aug. 1988. The folliwing results were obtained: l. All cases were industrial accidents, 9 cases in right, and the mean age was 24.1 ranging from 17 to 34. 2. There were 4 cases of the radial & ulnar artery rupture and 6 cases of the radial artery rupture, 7 cases were treated end to end anastomosis and 3 cases with vein graft. 3. The fracture level of ulna & radius was same in all cases, 7 cases in distal one-third, 2 cases in middle one-third and 1 case in proximal one-third. 4. The average time of union was 14.1 weeks in the radius and 14.5 weeks in the ulna. 5. The fixation methods were plating in 7 cases and IM nailing in 3 cases. 6. The complications were non-union in 1 case, osteomyelitis in 2 cases and refracture in 1 case. 7. The functional result was excellent in 1 case, satisfactory in 3 cases, unsatisfactory in 5 cases, and failure in 1 case according to the rating system of Anderson.