Reduced Incision Surgical Fixation of Diaphyseal Forearm Fractures in Adults through a Minimally Invasive Volar Approach

Abstract

<jats:sec><jats:title>Purpose</jats:title><jats:p> The study aimed to describe and evaluate the minimally invasive volar approach to the forearm for open reduction and internal fixation of diaphyseal radius fractures. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Methods</jats:title><jats:p> This is a matched case-control study involving patients with diaphyseal forearm fractures operated by one orthopaedic surgeon over 2 years. Cases underwent a minimally invasive volar approach, whereas controls underwent a standard Henry's approach. In total, 17 cases and 17 controls were studied based on patient demographics, injury patterns, and surgical outcomes. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Results</jats:title><jats:p> The duration of surgery was significantly shorter for cases than for controls in combined radius and ulna fracture fixation (58.8 minutes vs. 84 minutes; p = 0.03). There was no significant difference in operative time for isolated radius fractures, hospitalisation duration, and time to return to work. No malalignment or complications were observed. </jats:p></jats:sec><jats:sec><jats:title>Conclusion</jats:title><jats:p> The minimally invasive volar approach to the forearm is as safe and efficacious as traditional approaches in the fixation of diaphyseal radius fractures. </jats:p></jats:sec>