Why the study?
Does the timing of internal fixation plate removal affect cortical atrophy in forearm bones?
Does the timing of internal fixation plate removal affect cortical atrophy in forearm bones?
Internal fixation plates should be retained for at least 21 months to allow bone density to return to prefracture levels and prevent cortical atrophy.
Premature removal may risk atrophy; single case leaves optimal forearm plate timing open for study.
We used single-photon absorptiometry to assess the forearm bones after the removal of internal fixation plates in 14 patients. We found convincing evidence of cortical atrophy in only one patient, in whom the plates had been removed prematurely after only 16 months. It is suggested that such plates should be retained for at least 21 months, to allow bone density to return to its prefracture level. The recommendations of the AO/ASIF group are supported.
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Rosson et al. (1991) studied this question.
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