Preface

This issue of Hand Clinics is devoted to injuries of the forearm, usually resulting from fractures and their sequelae. We attempted to cover common aspects of forearm injuries. Conspicuously absent are pediatric injuries because they were presented in a recent edition on pediatric fractures.

The four main fracture types of the forearm include (1) both-bone forearm fractures, (2) isolated ulna fractures, (3) Galeazzi fractures, and (4) Monteggia fractures. Drs. Moss and Bynum present a comprehensive review on the management of diaphyseal fractures of the radius and ulna. Drs. Sauder and Athwal lend their expertise in the treatment of isolated diaphyseal fractures. Drs. Giannoulis and Sotereanos have presented an outstanding overview of the diagnosis and treatment of Galeazzi fracture-dislocations. On the more proximal aspect of the forearm, Drs. Eathiraju, Mudgal, and Jupiter share their expertise and experience from the Massachusetts General Hospital in the treatment of Monteggia fracture-dislocations.

Nonunions/malunions, synostoses, compartment syndrome, and tissue defects are complications associated with forearm fractures and/or their management. Drs. Richard, Ruch, and Aldridge have provided an excellent review of the treatment of malunions and nonunions of the forearm. Drs. Friedrich and Shin have shared their expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of compartment syndrome of the forearm. Finally, based on their extensive experience, Drs. Hanel, Pfaeffle, and Ayalla have contributed an excellent review of the problem and elaborated on their treatment of this often-difficult complication. Drs. Bakri and Moran have added an excellent chapter on the evaluation and management of complex defects of the forearm.

Radial head fractures are common and can be associated with injury to the interosseous membrane. Drs. Jackson and Steinmann have submitted a comprehensive review of the treatment of these injuries. In addition, Drs. Marcotte and Osterman have contributed an outstanding dissertation on radioulnar dissociation, or the Essex-Lopresti, injuries. They have elaborated on their extensive and innovative experience in treating this difficult problem. Finally, distal radius fractures are very common injuries with a wide variety of treatment options. Drs. Wulf, Ackerman, and I have contributed a review of the contemporary management of these injuries.

Locking technology and plating has made a significant impact on operative fixation and treatment of fractures. Dr. Larson and I have rounded out the table of contents with a review of the basic science of locking plate technology and its applications in the upper extremity.

I would like to personally thank all of the authors for their outstanding contributions to this issue of Hand Clinics. I sincerely appreciate their efforts and sacrifice. Many thanks to Ms. Deb Dellapena from Elsevier for her tireless efforts and assistance in making this issue a reality.