Diaphyseal Both-bone Forearm Fractures Research Articles

Does Early Conversion to Below-elbow Casting for Pediatric Diaphyseal Both-bone Forearm Fractures Adversely Affect Patient-reported Outcomes and ROM?

For distal forearm fractures in children, it has been shown that a below-elbow cast is an adequate treatment that overcomes the discomfort of an above-elbow cast and unnecessary immobilization of the elbow. For reduced diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures, our previous randomized controlled trial (RCT)-which compared an above-elbow cast with early conversion to a below-elbow cast-revealed no differences in the risk of redisplacement or functional outcomes at short-term follow-up. Although studies with a longer follow-up after diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures in children are scarce, they are essential, as growth might affect the outcome. In this secondary analysis of an earlier RCT, we asked: (1) Does early conversion from an above-elbow to a below-elbow cast in children with reduced, stable diaphyseal forearm fractures result in worse clinical and radiological outcome? (2) Does a malunion result in inferior clinical outcomes at 7.5 years of follow-up? In this study, we evaluated children at a minimum of 5 years of follow-up who were included in a previous RCT. The median (range) duration of follow-up was 7.5 years (5.2 to 9.9). The patients for this RCT were included from the emergency departments of four different urban hospitals. Between January 2006 and August 2010, we treated 128 patients for reduced diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures. All 128 patients were eligible; 24% (31) were excluded because they were lost before the minimum study follow-up or had incomplete datasets, leaving 76% (97) for secondary analysis. The loss in the follow-up group was comparable to the included population. Eligible patients were invited for secondary functional and radiographic assessment. The primary outcome was the difference in forearm rotation compared with the uninjured contralateral arm. Secondary outcomes were the ABILHAND-kids and QuickDASH questionnaire, loss of flexion and extension of the elbow and wrist compared with the contralateral forearm, JAMAR grip strength ratio, and radiological assessment of residual deformity. The study was not blinded regarding the children, parents, and clinicians. At 7.5-year follow-up, there were no differences in ABILHAND-kids questionnaire score (above-elbow cast: 41 ± 2.4 versus above/below-elbow cast: 41.7 ± 0.7, mean difference -0.7 [95% confidence interval (CI) -1.4 to 0.04]; p = 0.06), QuickDASH (above-elbow cast: 5.8 ± 9.6 versus 2.9 ± 6.0 for above-/below-elbow cast, mean difference 2.9 [95% CI -0.5 to 6.2]; p = 0.92), and grip strength (0.9 ± 0.2 for above-elbow cast versus 1 ± 0.2 for above/below-elbow cast, mean difference -0.04 [95% CI -1 to 0.03]; p = 0.24). Functional outcomes showed no difference (loss of forearm rotation: above-elbow cast 7.9 ± 17.7 versus 4.1 ± 6.9 for above-/below-elbow cast, mean difference 3.8 [95% CI -1.7 to 9.4]; p = 0.47; arc of motion: above-elbow cast 152° ± 21° versus 155° ± 11° for the above/below-elbow cast group, mean difference -2.5 [95% CI -9.3 to -4.4]; p = 0.17; loss of wrist flexion-extension: above-elbow cast group 1.0° ± 5.0° versus 0.6° ± 4.2° for above/below-elbow cast, mean difference 0.4° [95% CI -1.5° to 2.2°]; p = 0.69). The secondary follow-up showed improvement in forearm rotation in both groups compared with the rotation at 7 months. For radiographical analysis, the only difference was in AP ulna (above-elbow cast: 6° ± 3° versus above/below-elbow cast: 5° ± 2°, mean difference 1.8° [0.7° to 3°]; p = 0.003), although this is likely not clinically relevant. There were no differences in the other parameters. Thirteen patients with persistent malunion at 7-month follow-up showed no clinically relevant differences in functional outcomes at 7.5-year follow-up compared with children without malunion. The loss of forearm rotation was 5.5ׄ° ± 9.1° for the malunion group compared with 6.0° ± 13.9° in the no malunion group, with a mean difference of 0.4 (95% CI of -7.5 to 8.4; p = 0.92). In light of these results, we suggest that surgeons perform an early conversion to a below-elbow cast for reduced diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures in children. This study shows that even in patients with secondary fracture displacement, remodeling occurred. And even in persistent malunion, these patients mostly showed good-to-excellent final results. Future studies, such as a meta-analysis or a large, prospective observational study, would help to establish the influence of skeletal age, sex, and the severity and direction of malunion angulation of both the radius and ulna on clinical result. Furthermore, a similar systematic review could prove beneficial in clarifying the acceptable angulation for pediatric lower extremity fractures. Level I, therapeutic study.

Acceptable range of forearm deformity derived from relation to three-dimensional analysis and clinical impairments.

This study aimed to investigate deformity patterns that cause clinical impairments and determine the acceptable range of deformity in the treatment of forearm diaphyseal fractures. A three-dimensional (3D) deformity analysis based on computed bone models was performed on 39 patients with malunited diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures to investigate the 3D deformity patterns of the radius and ulna at the fracture location and the relationship between 3D deformity and clinical impairments. Clinical impairments were evaluated using forearm motion deficit. Cutoff values of forearm deformities were calculated by performing receiver operating characteristic analysis using the deformity angle and the limited forearm rotation range of motion (less than 50° of pronation or supination) resulting in activities of daily living (ADL) impairment as variables. The extension, varus, and pronation deformities most commonly occurred in the radius, whereas the extension deformity was commonly observed in the ulna. A positive correlation was observed between pronation deficit and extension deformity of the radius (R = 0.41) and between supination deficit and pronation deformity of the ulna (R = 0.44). In contrast, a negative correlation was observed between pronation deficit and pronation deformity of the radius (R = -0.44) and between pronation deficit and pronation deformity of the ulna (R = -0.51). To minimize ADL impairment, radial extension deformity should be <18.4°, radial rotation deformity <12.8°, and ulnar rotation deformity <16.6°. The deformities in the sagittal and axial planes of the radius and in the axial plane of the ulna were responsible for the limited forearm rotation.

Letter to Editor regrading "Predictors for operative treatment in pediatric proximal third both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in children include age and translation, but not initial angulation".

Letter to Editor regrading "Predictors for operative treatment in pediatric proximal third both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in children include age and translation, but not initial angulation".

A response to a letter to the editor: Predictors for operative treatment in pediatric proximal third both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in children include age and translation, but not initial angulation

A response to a letter to the editor: Predictors for operative treatment in pediatric proximal third both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in children include age and translation, but not initial angulation

Improved forearm rotation even after early conversion to below-elbow cast for non-reduced diaphyseal both-bones forearm fractures in children: a secondary 7.5-year follow up of a randomized trial.

previous RCT compared short-term results of above-elbow cast (AEC) with early conversion to below-elbow cast (BEC) in children with non-reduced diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures. After 7 months both groups had comparable function. Our primary aim was to investigate whether forearm rotation improves or worsens over time. Secondary aims were loss of flexion and extension of the elbow and wrist, patient-reported outcomes measures, grip strength ratio, and radiographic assessment. We performed long-term follow-up (FU) of a previous RCT. All patients were invited again for the long-term FU measurements. Primary outcome was limitation of forearm rotation. Secondary outcomes were loss of flexion and extension of the elbow and wrist compared with the contralateral forearm, the ABILHAND-Kids questionnaire and the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, grip strength ratio, and radiographic assessment. The mean FU was 7.5 (4.4-9.6) years. Of the initial 47 children, 38 (81%) participated. Rotation improved in both groups over time, with no significant difference in the final forearm rotation: 8° (SD 22) for the AEC group and 8° (SD 15) for the BEC group with a mean difference of 0° (95% confidence interval -13 to 12). Secondary outcomes showed no statistically significant differences. Finally, children < 9 years almost all have full recovery of function. Long-term follow-up showed that loss of forearm rotation after a non-reduced diaphyseal both-bone forearm fracture improved significantly compared with that at 7 months, independent of the initial treatment and children aged < 9 will have almost full recovery of function. This substantiates that the remaining growth behaves like a "friend" at long-term follow-up.

Comparison of Plating Fixation versus Intramedullary Nailing in the Treatment of Fracture Both-Bone Forearm in Children: A Systemic Review

Background Both bone forearm fractures (BBFFs) are a common injury in children, account for 41.1% of all fractures in children, the third most common fractures in the pediatric population. Diaphyseal forearm fractures account for the most common location of re-fractures in the pediatric population. The most common mechanism of injury is a fall onto an outstretched hand. There are many debates in the field of pediatric orthopedics, including when to operate, what constitutes an acceptable reduction and what age does remodeling capability inherent to children become less effective. Greater controversy exists regarding the optimal method of fixation in children between the ages of 10 and 14 years. Fractures in this age group that cannot be maintained in acceptable alignment with closed reduction can be treated with either IM nails or ORIF with plates. Closed reduction and cast immobilization remains the gold standard treatment for minimally displaced and stable pediatric forearm fractures. Aim of the Work is to introduce a systematic review comparing between plating and intramedullary nailing (IMN) for children with diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures (BBFFs) as regards union, functional outcome and complications. Methodology This study is a systematic review. Children aged 5–14 years with both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures were included. Surgical fracture fixation with plates and screws vs. IM nails were compared. Results We found no statistical difference in functional outcome as measured by range of movement. We also found no consistent difference in complication rates between the two groups, although this is a difficult outcome to objectively compare. There were more cases of compartment syndrome in the IMN group than in the plating group, although numbers were low for both, and it was not entirely clear if the cases in the IMN groups developed post-operatively as opposed to being consequences of the injuries themselves. Radiographically we found no study reporting significant difference in time to fracture union. Duration of surgery and cosmetic result (scar) seem to favor the IMN group. Conclusion Despite methodological deficiencies of the studies included, IM nailing has been shown as an effective and safe treatment option for those fractures, associated with shorter operation time, improved cosmesis, and easier hard ware removal.

Girl predominance in trampoline-related forearm shaft fractures and their increasing incidence since 2000

BackgroundThere are reports of increasing incidence of forearm shaft fractures in children. Their treatment has been preferably nonoperative but surgical fixation has gained popularity due to elastic stable intramedullary nailing. We aimed to study whether the incidence of pediatric both-bone forearm shaft fractures and their operative care have changed since year 2000. Trampoline injuries, in particular, and their treatment, re-displacement and short-term outcomes were the secondary outcomes of the study.MethodsA population-based study in the geographic catchment area of Oulu University Hospital district in 20-years of time period (2000 – 2019) was performed. Altogether 481 diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures in children (< 16 years) were included. Age- and sex-related incidence rates were determined, by using the official numbers of the population-in-risk by Statistics Finland. Trampoline jumping and other types of injury were reviewed, as well as particulars of treatment and outcomes.ResultsThe incidence of diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures increased from 9.4/100 000 in 2000–2001 to 41.7/100 000 in 2018–2019 (P < 0.001). Surgical treatment increased respectively (from 8.8/100 000 in 2000–2001 to 35.3/100 000 in 2018–2019, P < 0.0001). Trampoline injuries explained one in three (29%) of all fractures; they increased from 0% in 2000–2001 to 36.6% in 2018–2019 (P < 0.001). During the last four years of the study (2016–2019), most trampoline-related injuries occurred among girls (61.2%), compared to boys (38.8%) (P = 0.031). Trampoline-related injuries comprised 46.9% of all fractures in girls, compared to 26.0% among boys (Diff. 20.8%, 4.7% to 36.1%, P = 0.009). The mean age of the patients elevated from 6.4 years (2000–2001) to 8.6 years (2018–2019) (P = 0.015). Boys predominated (69.6%) in 2000–2009 but during the last ten years, there was no statistical difference in distribution between the genders (males 54.6%, P = 0.11).ConclusionsDuring the twenty-year’s of study period, the incidence of pediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures increased fivefold. Trampolining was the most usual single reason for the fractures. More attention should be focused to increase the safety of trampoline jumping, in particular among the girls.

Predictors for operative treatment in pediatric proximal third both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in children include age and translation, but not initial angulation.

Proximal third diaphyseal fractures of the radius and ulna represent an onerous fracture pattern due to difficulty maintaining acceptable alignment with nonoperative management. Our aim was to identify the factors that increase the odds for a surgical treatment of these fractures. Recognizing these factors can raise awareness to patients who are more likely to require additional care and assist clinicians in counseling families, targeting treatment plans, and constructing follow-up protocols. We hypothesized that the age of the patient, the amount of initial fracture displacement, and the angulation of the fracture would predict the need for operative treatment. We retrospectively reviewed 276 proximal third diaphyseal forearm fractures at a single tertiary care institution. All patients underwent a nonoperative treatment trial, and if failed continued to surgery. Following a univariate analysis, we constructed a binary multivariate logistic regression model that included age, initial translation, and initial angulation to assess the association between the tested variables. A regression model revealed that age (10 years and older, odds ratio: 8.2, 95% confidence interval: 3.9-17.24, p < 0.001) and radius translation of more than 100% (odds ratio: 7.06, 95% confidence interval: 2.69-18.52, p < 0.001) were associated with the need for surgical treatment. Initial fracture angulation lacked an association with a surgical treatment (odds ratio: 0.81 95% confidence interval: 0.38-1.74, p = 0.59). Age above 10 years and 100% initial translation of the radius fracture increased the odds for an ultimate decision to perform a surgery. Initial angulation, although often being the most remarkable radiographic feature, was not associated with a nonoperative treatment failure. We recommend an initial reduction attempt after counseling patients and their families that there is a high rate of conversion to operative treatment when the above features are met. level III.

Management of pediatric unstable diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures (AO 22-D4 and AO 22-D5), A comparison between the results of intramedullary nailing using titanium elastic nail systems versus K-wires in the rural Indian children: A prospective study

Background: Forearm fractures constitute the largest group of injuries in the pediatric age group. When treating these injuries, we seek to achieve a complete union while also restoring the appropriate axis and arm length, which determine the upper limb's normal function. Intramedullary fixation (IM fixation) is becoming an increasingly common choice for fracture fixation. Aim: The aim of this study was to compare the functional and radiological results of IM nailing by Titanium Elastic Nail Systems (TENS) versus K-wire in the pediatric displaced diaphyseal both-bone forearm fracture. Settings and Design: This prospective comparative study was conducted in the department of orthopedics at a rural tertiary care center in North India from April 2016 to November 2019. Materials and Methods: In total, 44 children between the age of 8 and 12 years with displaced diaphyseal fracture of both-bone forearm either closed or open were available for follow-up and included in the study. They were divided into two groups randomly. Reduction was done under general anesthesia and fluoroscopic images. First, a close reduction was tried, and if it failed, open reduction was tried. IM fixation was done subsequently either by TENS (Group-A, n = 23) or K-wire (Group-B, n = 21). Patients were followed up for 12 months. Functional and radiological outcomes and complications were compared between both groups. Conclusions: IM nailing is a safe, effective, and valid technique in treating displaced both-bone forearm fractures in the pediatric age group. Both TENS and K-wire are equivalent in terms of clinical results, fracture union time, surgical time, or complication rates.

Management of both forearm bone diaphyseal fractures - ORIF v/s CRIF v/s hybrid fixation: An operative dilemma

Introduction: Long bone fracture of forearm is common skeletal injury. The most common causes of such injuries include road traffic accident, fall or direct trauma, amongst the various types of forearm fractures, both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in adults are frequently met by the orthopaedic doctors. There are various methods available for fixation of both bone diaphysial fractures like both bone plate fixation, both bone intramedullary nailing and hybrid method with nailing in one of the bones and plating in other. Our aim of the study is which method of fixation is most clinically justifiable in both bone diaphysial fractures amongst all the available choices. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective study of 200 cases of diaphyseal fractures of radius ulna selected randomly over a period two year from March 2016 to March 2018 conducted at civil hospital Ahmedabad. All patients were followed up for a period 6 months post operatively. Result and Conclusion: After studying result of all four method of fixation hybrid fixation showed good union rate, less chance of infection, less chance of malunion and non union,relatively good stability, less incidence of swelling and better recovery with a less chance of implant removal incidence and failure. Keywords: Radius ulna fracture, Plating nailing, Both bone diaphyseal fracture.

Operative treatment of pediatric diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures with flexible intramedullary fixation

Operative treatment of pediatric diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures with flexible intramedullary fixation

Refracture of pediatric both-bone diaphyseal forearm fracture following intramedullary fixation with Kirschner wires is likely to occur in the presence of immature radiographic healing.

Refracture of pediatric both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures (PBDFFs) may occur, even if the fractures are treated with intramedullary nailing. The purpose of this study was to investigate the risk of refracture of PBDFFs treated with intramedullary Kirschner wires (K-wires), which are commonly used in our clinic. The present multicenter retrospective study included 60 consecutive patients with 60 PBDFFs who were treated with intramedullary K-wires at 5 hospitals between 2007 and 2016. The age of the patients at the time of the primary fracture ranged from 2 to 15years. The characteristics of the primary fractures and treatment course were evaluated. Refracture occurred in 6 patients (10.0%). Three of the patients were young girls; the other 3 were adolescent boys. Refractures were caused by falling or during sports activity. The duration from primary fracture to refracture ranged from 46 to 277days, and in 5 of the 6 patients refractures occurred within 6months. Although we were unable to identify factors significantly contributing to refracture (e.g. fracture type or treatment procedures), radiographs at the latest visit before refracture demonstrated findings of immature healing in five of six patients. Both K-wires and external immobilization had been removed before complete fracture healing in a large proportion of patients with refracture (80.0%). Refracture of PBDFF may occur several months after treatment with intramedullary K-wires if the primary fracture shows immature healing. Physicians should pay special attention when judging radiographic fracture healing, even when the fracture is deemed to have clinically healed.

Improving Quality in the Treatment of Pediatric Forearm Fractures: Minimizing the Need for Repeat Intervention With Long-arm Extension Casting

Repeat intervention for pediatric forearm fractures after closed manipulation is as high as 46% with flexed elbow (FE) long-arm casts. Casting with the elbow extended (EE) has been advocated as an alternative technique. We documented outcomes of patients treated with closed manipulation and casting with EE long-arm casts for displaced, diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures. We retrospectively reviewed charts for patients who had sedated manipulations and casting for closed, diaphyseal forearm fractures. Open fractures, immediate surgical intervention, metabolic bone disease, recurrent fractures, and Monteggia injuries were excluded. Closed manipulations were performed by orthopaedic residents assisted by cast technicians, with sedation provided by emergency department physicians. Radiographic angulation and displacement of the radius and ulna on immediate postreduction radiographs and all follow-up radiographs were recorded. Patients requiring repeat intervention were compared with those who did not by using the Mann-Whitney U and Fisher exact tests. Of 86 patients (7.2±2.8 y) available for analysis, 82 (95.3%) completed treatment after a single-sedated manipulation and placement of an EE long-arm cast. There were no malunions or nonunions. The average follow-up was 50 days. Four (4.7%) patients required repeat interventions (2 had surgery, 1 had a repeat sedated manipulation, and 1 had a nonsedated manipulation). There were no statistically significant differences in age, sex, laterality, fracture position in the diaphysis, or immediate postreduction angulation of the radius or ulna. A literature review showed average repeat intervention rates of 14.9% (range, 0% to 45.9%) for FE casts and 3.3% (range, 0% to 15%) for EE casts. There was a low rate of repeat interventions (4.7%) in patients with EE casts compared with historical rates for FE casts. Improving the quality of health care involves identifying and implementing practices that provide the best outcomes at the lowest costs. The use of EE long-arm casts following closed manipulation of pediatric forearm fractures may decrease the rate of repeat manipulation or surgery compared with conventional FE casts. Level IV-case series.

Operating Room Intervention Rates After Orthopaedic Resident-reduced Pediatric Both-Bone Forearm Fractures Relative to the Academic Calendar.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the operating room (OR) intervention rates and quality of fracture reductions for pediatric diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures performed by orthopaedic residents relative to the academic year. OR intervention was defined as any procedure performed in the OR, including closed reduction and casting, and was used to identify fractures that required secondary intervention after initial closed reduction performed by an orthopaedic resident in the emergency department. A retrospective analysis identified pediatric patients presenting at our institution with both-bone forearm fractures from July 2010 to June 2016. Emergency-room sedation time, highest experience of orthopaedic resident documented to be present at the time of sedation (in postgraduate months), and frequencies of OR intervention were obtained by chart review. Fracture characteristics were determined by radiographic review. Immediate postreduction radiographs were used to measure cast indices, and adequacy of reduction was determined by postreduction angulation and translation. During the time period studied, 470 both-bone forearm reductions under sedation were performed by an orthopaedic resident at our institution. Of these, 41 fractures (41 patients) required 42 OR interventions (40 involved surgical fixation and 2 were repeat closed reductions). The academic year was divided into quartiles. The April to June quartile had the highest overall percentage of OR intervention (10.6%), followed by July to September (8.6%); however, there was no significant difference between quartiles in the percentages of reductions that needed OR intervention (P=0.553). There was also no correlation between the experience level of the resident performing the reduction (based on postgraduate months) and the frequency of OR intervention (P=0.244). The anteroposterior (AP) and lateral reduction grades did not vary based on quarters (P=0.584; 0.353). The ability to obtain adequate reduction and the rate of unacceptable cast index were also not significantly different between quarters (P=0.347 and 0.465). We found no significant difference in rates of OR intervention or the quality of reduction for pediatric both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures treated by orthopaedic residents relative to the academic year. Level III-comparative cohort study.

A retrospective comparative study of intramedually nailing versus plating in the management of diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures among adults

A retrospective comparative study of intramedually nailing versus plating in the management of diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures among adults

Acumed intramedullary nail for the treatment of adult diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures

To evaluate the results of Acumed intramedullary nail for the treatment of adult diaphyseal fractures of both-bone forearm fractures. From January 2009 to December 2016, 86 adult patients with both forearm fractures were treated by intramedullary nail including 54 males and 32 females with an average age of 36.8 years old ranging from 18 to 72 years old;There were 50 cases were on the right and 36 cases on the left. The operation time, blood loss and X-ray expose time intra-operation, time of fracture union, complications, DASH(Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire), Grace-Eversman criteria were recorded to evaluate the clinical outcomes of intramedullary nail for the treatment of forearm fractures. All patients were followed up from 48 to 144 weeks with an average of 86.8 weeks; the blood loss intraoperation was 30 to 80 ml with an average of 52 ml; the the X-ray expose time was 1 to 6 min with an average of 2.5 min;the operation time was 31 to 55 min with an average of 46 min; Among them, 85 cases healed successfully, the union time was 10 to 16 weeks with an average of 13.3 weeks. There were 1 case of hypertrophic nonunion, 1 case of ulnar radial bone bridge formation, and 1 case of extensor hallucis longus tendon injury. The DASH score was 4 to 37(means 15.6); according to Grace-Eversman criteria, the results were excellent in 65 cases, good in 15, acceptable in 5, poor in 1. Intramedullary fixation method in treating both-bone forearm fractures has advantages of closed application, short operation time, little complication, and clinical outcomes is satisfied.

Factors that predict instability in pediatric diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures.

The aim of this study was to determine the factors that may predict failure of closed reduction and casting of diaphyseal forearm fractures in children. Demographic and radiographic data of children with closed reduction and casting of these fractures in the emergency department were evaluated. Of 174 patients with adequate follow-up to union, 19 (11%) required a repeat procedure. Risk factors for repeat reduction included translation of 50% or more in any plane, age more than 9 years, complete fracture of the radius, and follow-up angulation of the radius more than 15° on lateral radiographs or of the ulna more than 10° on anteroposterior radiographs.

Both-Bone Forearm Fractures in Children with Minimum Four Years of Growth Remaining: Can Cast Achieve a Good Outcome at Skeletal Maturity?

Introduction: Both-bone forearm fractures in children can be treated non-operatively with a cast. Most previous studies have shown favourable outcome; however, information on the functional outcome after skeletal maturity is still scanty. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the functional outcome after skeletal maturity in fractures with at least four years of growth remaining.Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted from March 2012 until March 2013. Age at the time of fracture was taken as until 10 years for females and until 12 years old for males with at least four years of growth remaining. Fractures occurring in the diaphysis were included in the study. Functional outcomes were assessed at or after skeletal maturity.Results: Forty-four children fulfilled the criteria. The ages of the youngest and the oldest at the time of fracture was five and 12 years old respectively. Follow-up of the male and female patients were 7.4 years and 5.5 years respectively. There was a significant difference between post-reduction angulation and angulation at skeletal maturity of the radius and ulna (p<0.001). Out of 44 patients, 39 had excellent and five had good functional outcomes. No patient had fair or poor functional outcome. There was no association between the functional outcome and the angulation of forearm bones after skeletal maturity. Age at the time of fracture had a significant association with the functional outcome.Conclusion: Non-operative treatment of both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in a cast has good to excellent functional outcomes in children who still have four years of growth remaining.

Low complication rate of elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) of pediatric forearm fractures

Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) has been established as state of the art treatment for forearm fractures in children, if operative stabilization is required. Their use has been expanded to single bone shaft fractures, and also more complex injuries such as Monteggia fractures or Monteggia-like lesions. A wide range of complications has been reported in the literature, up to 70% in certain investigations. The purpose of this study was to assess the complication rate after ESIN treatment of forearm fractures in children and adolescents in a representative cohort of patients from a level 1 trauma center in Germany.Between 2000 and 2015, we retrospectively analyzed all patients, up to the age of 16 years, with forearm fractures, who were operatively treated using ESIN in our department of general and trauma surgery. The main outcome measurements were the rates of postoperative complications after ESIN such as re-fracture, malunion, nonunion, tendon lesion, wound infection, and limited range of motion.In all, 201 consecutive patients with 202 forearm fractures were included in this study. Age averaged 9.7 years (range 3-16 years). Fifteen (7.4%) fractures were open. Fractures were 82.2% diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures. Follow-up averaged 10.2 months (range 0.7-176.3 months). Complications were 10 re-fractures, 2 malunions, 3 extensor pollicis longus tendon ruptures, 1 superficial wound infection, and 2 limited range of motions. Fourteen (6.9%) children required a secondary operative intervention for their complication. Time to implant removal averaged 3.8 months (range 0.4-16.3 months).Elastic stable intramedullary nailing is a minimally invasive and reliable technique with a low complication rate. Both-bone forearm fractures and single bone fractures, and also Monteggia and Monteggia-equivalent fractures can be successfully treated with this method. As a major complication, re-fractures are frequently seen, even with ESIN in situ.

ESIN and K-wire fixation has similar results in both bone pediatric forearm fractures

The purpose of this study was to compare short-term radiographic and clinical results of pediatric both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures treated with intramedullary nail fixation using titanium nails or K-wires. This was a prospective comparative trial. In total, 43 patients with both-bone open or closed forearm fractures who underwent surgical treatment with intramedullary fixation were randomly classified into two groups. Three patients did not return for the follow-up and were excluded from the study. Twenty of the 40 patients were assigned to the elastic stable intramedullary nail group and 20 were assigned to the K-wire group. Demographic data suggested no difference between the two groups except for the side of injury. Perioperative data and radiological and clinical outcomes were evaluated. The cohort comprised 5 girls and 35 boys whose mean age was 11.60 ± 2.69 years. Except the proportion of patients who were conservatively followed up preoperatively, all perioperative data were similar between the groups. Radiographic and functional results were similar. There were two delayed unions; one pin track infection and one re-fracture. Intramedullary fixation of forearm fractures in children with titanium nail or K-wire does not affect radiological and clinical results. Both elastic stable intramedullary nail and K-wire fixation were effective in stabilizing pediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures.