# A Prospective Comparative Study Evaluating Functional Outcomes in Adolescents Undergoing Dynamic Compression Plating Versus Intramedullary Nailing for Both-Bone Diaphyseal Forearm Fractures

## TL;DR

This study compares two surgical methods for forearm fractures in teens and finds both are equally effective.

## Contribution

The study provides empirical evidence on the functional outcomes of two surgical techniques for forearm fractures in adolescents.

## Key findings

- Dynamic compression plating and intramedullary nailing showed similar mean Grace and Eversmann scores (9.79 vs. 9.75).
- 78.5% of dynamic compression plating patients achieved 'EXCELLENT' results compared to 75% in the intramedullary nailing group.

## Abstract

Aim

To compare the functional outcomes of dynamic compression plating and intramedullary nailing in adolescents (12-19 years) with both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures using the Grace and Eversmann scoring system.

Materials and Methods

Fifty-six adolescents (aged 12-19 years) with both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures and meeting the inclusion criteria were enrolled in this study. Patients were assigned consecutive numbers; those with even numbers underwent intramedullary nailing, while those with odd numbers received dynamic compression plating. Functional outcomes were assessed at six months postoperatively using the Grace and Eversmann scoring system.

Results

Out of the 56 patients, the mean Grace and Eversmann score for the dynamic compression plating and intramedullary nailing groups was 9.79 and 9.75, respectively, at the final postoperative follow-up which was done after six months. An interpretation of the scores at the sixth month follow-up also revealed that in the dynamic compression plating group, 78.5% of patients achieved 'EXCELLENT' results and 21.5% achieved 'GOOD' results, whereas in the intramedullary nailing group, corresponding results were seen in 75% and 25% of the participants, respectively.

Conclusion

Both modalities were equally effective in the fixation of both-bone forearm fractures in adolescents aged 12-19 years, with no statistically significant difference in the functional outcome between the two groups.