Randomized Controlled trial Comparing Single Bone and Both Bone Fixation for Forearm Fracture in Children

Abstract

Background: Fractures of shaft of the radius and ulna are one of the commonest injuries seen in the paediatric age group. Single bone intramedullary fixation has been advocated in the treatment of unstable diaphyseal forearm fractures. We conducted this study to evaluate the radiological and functional outcome in single bone and both bone fixation in forearm fracture in children. Methods: We designed a prospective randomized trial to compare single bone and both bone fixations in forearm fracture in aged 8-15 years. Fifty patients were presented to our institution during the period from May 2016 to May 2017 and randomly assigned a group with 25 patients in each group. Patients in Group A (SBF) were fixed with intramedullary Rush pin in ulna and those in Group B (DBF) were both radius and ulna were fixed. The patients were followed up for a period of twelve weeks. A radiological and functional outcome was evaluated and was compared and graded using Price et al. (1) criteria. Results: Among the 50 patients analyzed, randomization was successful. ROM of elbow at the final follow up was not statistically significant differences between two Groups. There were no statistically significant differences of radiological parameters at the final follow-up. Final assessment with Price et al. (1) criteria showed no statistically significant differences between two groups (P value- 0.1). Conclusion: Single bone ulna intramedullary fixation was comparable in terms of function and radiological parameter for both-bone forearm diaphyseal fracture in children.