SummaryThe most common treatment for displaced fractures of both bones of the forearm is plate fixation. However, the anatomy of the forearm is difficult, and immediate plate fixation of forearm fractures may not be feasible in a polytrauma patient. Initial stabilization of forearm fractures using external fixation is indicated in patients whose other injuries need to be addressed first. Primary external fixation in these cases allows the stabilization of the forearm fractures while other medical teams address the patient's more serious injuries.