Pediatric forearm fractures with tens: freedom of movements

Abstract

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> A prospective analysis of a case series of diaphyseal forearm fractures in children treated with titanium elastic nails is presented. </p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> Between 2012 and 2014, 30 children aged 5-15 years with displaced diaphyseal forearm fractures underwent titanium elastic nailing. Both bones were fractured in 25 patients, four fractured only the radius, and one experienced ulna fracture. Eleven candidates had unstable irreducible fractures, 13 had loss of reduction, and six had open fractures. Titanium elastic nails were used to stabilize the fractures. All fractures were immobilized postoperatively with an above-elbow plaster slab for 2 weeks till the swelling is completely resolved followed by encouraging range of motion exercises.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Closed reduction and TENS was successful in 20 cases, including 15 double-bone fractures and five single-bone fractures. Open reduction was completed in four fractures of both bones, and in six single-bone open fractures. Bone union was achieved in all patients at an average of 7 weeks. The ROM of the forearms was evaluated using the Daruwalla grading criteria. Excellent results were reported in 96% without significant complications after a mean follow-up of 20 months.</p><p class="Default"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Titanium elastic nails fixation of pediatric forearm fractures revealed several advantages, a small incision for insertion, a low rate of complications, unhindered bone healing, and good clinical and radiological results thus achieving maximum range of motion at the earliest.</p>