Fifty-five adults who had a fracture of both bones of the forearm were
managed with plating and were followed for a mean of six years (range, one
year to sixteen years and two months) with functional and radiographic
assessment. Malunion was quantified by measurement of the amount and
location of the maximum radial bow in relation to the contralateral, normal
forearm. Fifty-four of the radial and fifty-four of the ulnar fractures
united. Eighty-four per cent of the patients had an excellent, good, or
acceptable functional result, according to the criteria of Grace and
Eversmann. Bone-grafting did not affect the rate of union. Restoration of
the normal radial bow was related to the functional outcome. A good
functional result (more than 80 per cent of normal rotation of the forearm)
was associated with restoration of the normal amount and location of the
radial bow (p less than 0.05 and p less than 0.005). Similarly, the
recovery of grip strength was associated with restoration of the location
of the radial bow toward normal (p less than 0.005).