The influence of timing and rigidity of internal fixation on bony union of fractures of the forearm.

Sixty-one patients with fractures of the shafts of both bones of the forearm treated by internal fixation were studied retrospectively. The importance of the rigidity of the fixation and the time that elapsed before operation was investigated. Eight cases of non-union and one of delayed union were noted after fractures which had been operated on during the first week by non-rigid internal fixation. On the other hand, in the group of rigidly fixed fractures, the time of operation was not found to have a statistically significant effect on the healing process.