Intramedullary Nailing of Forearm Fractures

Intramedullary fixation of forearm fractures is an adequate option in select patients. Injuries with significant soft tissue compromise such as open fractures, mangled extremities, or significant burns may benefit from intramedullary fixation. Palliative fixation of pathologic forearm fractures may also be amenable to intramedullary implants as may segmental fractures. Outcomes continue to improve with greater control of length and rota-tion of newer locked implants. Surgical technique and pre-operative planning are critical to restore forearm radial bow and prevent shortening or angulation with intramedullary nails. Outside this select patient population, plate osteosynthesis remains the treatment of choice in forearm fracture management.