Both-bone Forearm Fractures In Children 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.

Clinical effect of Kirschner wire intramedullary fixation in the treatment of pediatric both-bone forearm fractures at high altitude area

To explore the clinical effect of Kirschner wire intramedullary fixation in the treatment of both-bone forearm fractures in children of high altitude area. From August 2020 to December 2021, 19 children were treated with Kirschner wire intramedullary fixation including 11 males and 8 females, aged from 4 to 13 years old with an average of (8.16±2.71) years old. The course of disease was 1 to 10 days, with a mean of (4.11±2.51) d. First, close reduction was performed. If the reduction was unsuccessful, limited open reduction was performed, followed by Kirschner wire intramedullary fixation of the radius and ulna. The fracture healing was evaluated by X-ray after operation, and the curative effect was evaluated by Anderson forearm function score standard. The wound healed well after operation, 2 cases had clinical manifestations of needle tail irritation after operation, and the symptoms disappeared after removing the internal fixation. The average follow-up time was(7.68±3.50) months (3 to 14 months). X-ray showed that all fracture healing in follow-up, Anderson forearm function score showed excellent in 16 cases, good in 2 cases and fair in 1 case at the final follow-up. Children with fractures in plateau areas often have delayed medical treatment, lack of medical conditions and insufficient compliance. Based on these characteristics, Kirschner wire intramedullary fixation for the treatment of children's double forearm fractures has the advantages of small injury and rapid recovery. It is a kind of operation method that can be popularized.

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.

CORR Insights®: Do We Need to Stabilize All Reduced Metaphyseal Both-bone Forearm Fractures in Children with K-wires?

CORR Insights®: Do We Need to Stabilize All Reduced Metaphyseal Both-bone Forearm Fractures in Children with K-wires?

Do We Need to Stabilize All Reduced Metaphyseal Both-bone Forearm Fractures in Children with K-wires?

Short-term follow-up studies have shown that reduced metaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures in children should be treated with K-wires to prevent redisplacement and inferior functional results. Minimum 5-year follow-up studies are limited. Range of motion, patient-reported outcome measures, and radiographic parameters at minimum 5-year follow-up should be evaluated because they could change insights into how to treat pediatric metaphyseal forearm fractures. (1) Does K-wire stabilization of reduced metaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures in children provide better forearm rotation at minimum 5-year follow-up? (2) Do malunions (untreated redisplaced fractures) of reduced metaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures in children induce worse functional results? (3) Which factors lead to limited forearm rotation at minimum 5-year follow-up? We analyzed the extended minimum 5-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial in which children with a reduced metaphyseal both-bone forearm fracture were randomized to either an above-elbow cast (casting group) or fixation with K-wires and an above-elbow cast (K-wire group). Between January 2006 and December 2010, 128 patients were included in the original randomized controlled trial: 67 in the casting group and 61 in the K-wire group. For the current study, based on an a priori calculation, it was determined that, with an anticipated mean limitation in prosupination (forearm rotation) of 7° ± 7° in the casting group and 3° ± 5° in the K-wire group, a power of 80% and a significance of 0.05, the two groups should consist of 50 patients each. Between January 2014 and May 2016, 82% (105 of 128) of patients were included, with a mean follow-up of 6.8 ± 1.4 years: 54 in the casting group and 51 in the K-wire group. At trauma, patients had a mean age of 9 ± 3 years and had mean angulations of the radius and ulna of 25° ± 14° and 23° ± 18°, respectively. The primary result was limitation in forearm rotation. Secondary outcome measures were radiologic assessment, patient-reported outcome measures (QuickDASH and ABILHAND-kids), handgrip strength, and VAS score for cosmetic appearance. Assessments were performed by the first author (unblinded). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze which factors led to a clinically relevant limitation in forearm rotation. There was a mean limitation in forearm rotation of 5° ± 11° in the casting group and 5° ± 8° in the K-wire group, with a mean difference of 0.3° (95% CI -3° to 4°; p = 0.86). Malunions occurred more often in the casting group than in the K-wire group: 19% (13 of 67) versus 7% (4 of 61) with an odds ratio of 0.22 for K-wiring (95% CI 0.06 to 0.80; p = 0.02). In patients in whom a malunion occurred (malunion group), there was a mean limitation in forearm rotation of 6° ± 16° versus 5° ± 9° in patients who did not have a malunion (acceptable alignment group), with a mean difference 0.8° (95% CI -5° to 7°; p = 0.87). Factors associated with a limited forearm rotation ≥ 20° were a malunion after above-elbow casting (OR 5.2 [95% CI 1.0 to 27]; p = 0.045) and a refracture (OR 7.1 [95% CI 1.4 to 37]; p = 0.02). At a minimum of 5 years after injury, in children with a reduced metaphyseal both-bone forearm fracture, there were no differences in forearm rotation, patient-reported outcome measures, or radiographic parameters between patients treated with only an above-elbow cast compared with those treated with additional K-wire fixation. Redisplacements occurred more often if treated by an above-elbow cast alone. If fracture redisplacement is not treated promptly, this leads to a malunion, which is a risk factor for a clinically relevant (≥ 20°) limitation in forearm rotation at minimum 5-year follow-up. Children with metaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures can be treated with closed reduction and casting without additional K-wire fixation. Nevertheless, a clinician should inform parents and patient about the high risk of fracture redisplacement (and therefore malunion), with risk for limited forearm rotation if left untreated. Weekly radiographic monitoring is essential. If redisplacement occurs, remanipulation and fixation with K-wires should be considered based on gender, age, and direction of angulation. Future research is required to establish the influence of (skeletal) age, gender, and the direction of malunion angulation on clinical outcome. Level I, therapeutic study.

Intramedullary Fixation of Both Bone Forearm Fractures in Children and Adolescents: Healing Correlates With Development of the Olecranon Apophysis.

The purpose of this study was to determine whether healing of both bone forearm (BBFA) fractures in children and adolescents is associated with the stage of the olecranon apophysis development as described by the Diméglio modification of the Sauvegrain method. Records were reviewed from 2 children's hospitals from 1997 to 2008 to identify all patients younger than 18 years of age who had BBFA fractures treated with intramedullary nail fixation. Sixty-three patients were identified meeting inclusion and exclusion criteria. The stage of the olecranon apophysis was noted on the lateral radiograph at the time of the injury. Data were statistically analyzed to assess the olecranon stage at which the increased rate of delayed union becomes more prevalent using the receiver operating characteristic curve. Time to union, complications, and need for reoperation were recorded for each group. One thousand three hundred ninety-eight patient records were reviewed with 63 patients meeting the inclusion criteria. Using a receiver operating characteristic curve, a cutoff of olecranon stage > 3 (stages 4 to 7) was a significant predictor of the increased rate of delayed union time compared with olecranon stages 0 to 3 (P=0.004). Non-healing-related complication rates for each group were 2/28 (7.1%) for olecranon stages and 0 to 3 and 6/35 (17.1%) for olecranon stages 4 to 7. The rate of delayed union for BBFA fractures that have been treated with intramedullary nail fixation is increased in children with more mature olecranon apophyses as compared with those with younger olecranon stages. We propose the use of the stage of olecranon apophysis development when choosing the surgical approach and implant for when treating operative BBFA fractures in children. Level III-retrospective comparative study.

Is conservative treatment still gold standard for the management of both-bone forearm fracture in children?

Background: Forearm diaphyseal fractures constitute around 6% of all other children's fractures. Despite conservative management is proven and gold standard but still operative management is on rise. Aims and Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome in conservative and surgical management of both-bone forearm fractures in children. Materials and Methods: This prospective study was conducted in children aged 3–12 years. Clinical and radiological features, time for union, angular correction over a period of management, and functional outcome were assessed. Data were entered and analyzed with Epi Info software. Results: There were 48 males (72.7%) and 18 (27.3%) females, with a mean age of 85 months (±29.7). In the present study, 34 (51.2%) at middle third was the most common site of diaphyseal fracture followed by distal third 28 (42.2) and proximal one-third. Conclusion: Fractures treated conservatively had greater healing potential and faster healing, whereas functional outcome was comparable in both conservatively and surgically treated patients.

Proximal both-bone forearm fractures in children: factors predicting outcome

Background: The literature is replete with outcomes studies on pediatric forearm fractures; however, information concerning the outcomes of both-bone fractures of the proximal radius and ulna is limited. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the prognosis and outcomes in children with combined fractures of the proximal radius and ulna, with special attention to complications. Methods: A single-center, retrospective study identified patients ages 3 to 15 yr old with proximal forearm fractures treated between January of 1994 and February of 2014. Patients were excluded if they did not have both-bone fractures of the proximal forearm. Records were reviewed with a focus on outcomes and their association with age at the time of injury, severity of injury, type of treatment, and complications. Results: Thirty-one patients met the inclusion criteria. Significant differences were seen between patients younger than 10 yr of age and patients older than 10 yr of age in rates of requiring operative treatment (P=0.048) and returning to the operating room (P=0.037). There was no significant difference in nerve injury (P=0.519) or range-of-motion deficits (P=0.872) based on age. In addition, no difference was seen in range-of-motion deficits based on severity of injury as determined by displacement (complete or none) (P=0.139). Conclusions: Most proximal both-bone forearm fractures in children, including olecranon and radial neck fractures, Monteggia type IV fractures, and nonspecific proximal both-bone forearm fractures, have good-to-excellent results. In our study, older age, defined as 10 yr of age or older at the time of injury, resulted in more frequent need for operative intervention, a higher rate of return to the operating room, and greater risk of nerve injury. The older children were not more likely to have range of motion deficits despite a more involved course, which contradicts previous reports, and older age at the time of injury did not necessarily predict poorer outcomes. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

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.

Comparison of hybrid fixation versus dual intramedullary nailing fixation for forearm fractures in older children: Case-control study

ObjectiveThe aim of the present study was to compare the clinical outcomes of hybrid fixation using elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) for the radius and plate screw fixation for the ulna (Hybrid group) with dual ESIN fixation (D-ESIN group) for both-bone forearm fractures in children between 10 and 16 years of age. MethodsFifty patients with both-bone forearm fractures (28 patients in the Hybrid group and 22 patients in the D-ESIN group) were reviewed. Functional outcomes were evaluated according to the criteria of Price et al. Radiological results were assessed by fracture union at three and six months and bone union time. Postoperative complications were also recorded. ResultsThe times of fluoroscopy intraoperatively and duration of immobilization postoperatively were significantly lower in the Hybrid group (P < 0.05). The union rate of the ulna at three months postoperatively in the hybrid group was significantly higher than that in the D-ESIN group (P < 0.05). The average time of bone union was significantly shorter in the hybrid group than that in the D-ESIN group (P < 0.05). There were no differences according to the satisfactory rate and degree, the major and minor complications between the groups. ConclusionHybrid fixation is superior in terms of the times of fluoroscopy intraoperatively, duration of immobilization postoperatively, delayed union rate of the ulna and the average time of bone union. Therefore, hybrid fixation is an alternative treatment for both-bone forearm fractures in children between 10 and 16 years of age.

Angular malalignment as cause of limitation of forearm rotation: An analysis of prospectively collected data of both-bone forearm fractures in children

IntroductionAlthough limitation of pronation/supination following both-bone forearm fractures in children is often attributed to an angular malunion, no clinical study has compared pronation/supination and angular malalignment of the same child by analysis of prospectively collected clinical data. AimThe purpose of this trial is to explore whether limitation of pronation/supination can be predicted by the degree of angular malalignment in children who sustained a both-bone forearm fracture. MethodsIn four Dutch hospitals, children aged ≤16 years with a both-bone forearm fracture were prospectively followed up consecutive children for 6–9 months. At the final follow-up, pronation/supination and angular malunion on radiographs were determined. ResultsBetween January 2006 and August 2010, a total of 410 children were prospectively followed up, of which 393 children were included for analysis in this study. The mean age of the children was 8.0 (±3.5) years, of which 63% were male and 40% fractured their dominant arm. The mean time to final examination was 219 (±51) days. Children with a metaphyseal both-bone fracture of the distal forearm with an angular malalignment of ≤15° had a 9–13% chance of developing a clinically relevant limitation (i.e., <50° of pronation and/or supination), while children with an angular malalignment of ≥16° had a 60% chance. Children with diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures with ≤5° of angular malalignment had a 13% chance of developing a clinically relevant limitation, which showed no significant increase with a further increase of angular malalignment. ConclusionsChildren who sustained a both-bone forearm fracture localised in the distal metaphysis have a higher chance of developing a clinically relevant limitation of forearm rotation in case of a more severe angular malalignment, while children with a diaphyseal both-bone forearm fracture had a moderate chance of limitation, irrespective of the severity of the angular malalignment.

Three-dimensional imaging of children with severe limitation of pronation/supination after a both-bone forearm fracture

Although both-bone forearm fractures in children may result in severe limitation of forearm rotation, finding the cause remains a diagnostic challenge. This study tries to evaluate the role of rotational malunion, bony impingement and contractures of the interosseous membrane. Children (5-16 years) who suffered from a both-bone forearm fracture in diaphysis or distal metaphysis with a limitation of pronation/supination ≥40° at ≥6 months after trauma were included for analysis with conventional radiographs, computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). A total of 410 children with a both-bone forearm fracture were prospectively followed in four Dutch hospitals. At a median of 205 days, 7.3 % suffered from a limitation of pronation/supination ≥40°. 14 children were included (median limitation of 40°) and the radiographs revealed a median maximum angular malunion of 16°. CT analysis showed rotational malunion of both radius (median 19°) and ulna (median 9°). MRI analysis revealed neither bony impingement nor contractures of the interosseous membrane. Three-dimensional imaging of children with a severe limitation of pronation/supination after a both-bone forearm fracture revealed rotational malunions of both radius and ulna without bony impingement or soft tissue contractures. Prospective multicenter study, Level 2.

Conversion to below-elbow cast after 3 weeks is safe for diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures in children

Background It is unclear whether it is safe to convert above-elbow cast (AEC) to below-elbow cast (BEC) in a child who has sustained a displaced diaphyseal both-bone forearm fracture that is stable after reduction. In this multicenter study, we wanted to answer the question: does early conversion to BEC cause similar forearm rotation to that after treatment with AEC alone?Children and methods Children were randomly allocated to 6 weeks of AEC, or 3 weeks of AEC followed by 3 weeks of BEC. The primary outcome was limitation of pronation/supination after 6 months. The secondary outcomes were re-displacement of the fracture, limitation of flexion/extension of the wrist and elbow, complication rate, cast comfort, complaints in daily life, and cosmetics of the fractured arm.Results 62 children were treated with 6 weeks of AEC, and 65 children were treated with 3 weeks of AEC plus 3 weeks of BEC. The follow-up rate was 60/62 and 64/65, respectively with a mean time of 6.9 (4.7–13) months. The limitation of pronation/supination was similar in both groups (18 degrees for the AEC group and 11 degrees for the AEC/BEC group). The secondary outcomes were similar in both groups, with the exception of cast comfort, which was in favor of the AEC/BEC group.Interpretation Early conversion to BEC cast is safe and results in greater cast comfort.

Early conversion to below-elbow cast for non-reduced diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures in children is safe: preliminary results of a multicentre randomised controlled trial

This multicentre randomised controlled trial was designed to explore whether 6weeks above-elbow cast (AEC) or 3weeks AEC followed by 3weeks below-elbow cast (BEC) cause similar limitation of pronation and supination in non-reduced diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures in children. Children were randomly allocated to 6weeks AEC or to 3weeks AEC followed by 3weeks BEC. The primary outcome was limitation of pronation and supination after 6months. The secondary outcomes were re-displacement of the fracture, complication rate, limitation of flexion and extension of wrist and elbow, cast comfort, cosmetics, complaints in daily life and assessment of radiographs. A group of 23 children was treated with 6weeks AEC and 24 children with 3weeks AEC and 3weeks BEC. The follow-up rate was 98% with a mean follow-up of 7.0months. The mean limitation of pronation and supination was 23.3±22.0 for children treated with AEC and 18.0±16.9 for children treated with AEC and BEC. The other study outcomes were similar in both groups. Early conversion to BEC is safe in the treatment of non-reduced diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures in children. Multicentre randomised controlled trial, Level II.

The Results of Surgical Management of Unstable Both-Bone Forearm Fractures in Children

The Results of Surgical Management of Unstable Both-Bone Forearm Fractures in Children

Re-displacement of stable distal both-bone forearm fractures in children: A randomised controlled multicentre trial

IntroductionDisplaced metaphyseal both-bone fractures of the distal forearm are generally reduced and stabilised by an above-elbow cast (AEC) with or without additional pinning. The purpose of this study was to find out if re-displacement of a reduced stable metaphyseal both-bone fracture of the distal forearm in a child could be prevented by stabilisation with Kirschner wires. MethodsConsecutive children aged <16 years with a displaced metaphyseal both-bone fracture of the distal forearm (n=128) that was stable after reduction were randomised to AEC with or without percutaneous fixation with Kirschner wires. The primary outcome was re-displacement of the fracture. ResultsA total of 67 children were allocated to fracture reduction and AEC and 61 to reduction of the fracture, fixation with Kirschner wires and AEC. The follow-up rate was 96% with a mean follow-up of 7.1 months. Fractures treated with additional pinning showed less re-displacement (8% vs. 45%), less limitation of pronation and supination (mean limitation 6.9 (±9.4)° vs. 14.3 (±13.6)°) but more complications (14 vs. 1). ConclusionsPinning of apparent stable both-bone fractures of the distal forearm in children might reduce fracture re-displacement. The frequently seen complications of pinning might be reduced by a proper surgical technique.

Late Presentation of Isolated Digital Contracture following Forearm Fracture

The inflammatory response associated with fracture healing induces varying levels of local scarring and adhesions. Associated morbidity from local adhesions is rare in forearm fractures, but entrapment of flexor tendons has been reported in the literature following both-bone forearm fractures in children and adolescents [1–9]. In 14 of the 15 cases of flexor tendon entrapment following both-bone forearm fractures, the flexor digitorum profundus (FDP) tendon was involved. Akita and Kawai [1] reported on a flexor digitorum superficialis tendon entrapment 4 weeks following injury. It is thought that the more superficial location of the flexor digitorum superficialis (FDS) tendon affords some protection from adhesion to the fracture site. We present a delayed presentation of contracture of the index finger in a 15-year-old patient 5 years following a forearm fracture.

The increasing incidence of paediatric diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures and their internal fixation during the last decade

BackgroundThe incidence of children's forearm fractures is increasing worldwide. This is different from the declining trend observed in the overall injury rate, and the reason for the increase is not known. Diaphyseal forearm fractures comprise 3–6% of all paediatric fractures, and they offer a challenge to their treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the incidence of diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures in children during the last decade in Northern Finland. Another objective was to study the background factors, treatment, and re-displacement of these fractures. Materials and methodsAll 168 children (<16 years) admitted to our paediatric trauma centre due to diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures during 2000–2009 were included. The type of injury, background factors, radiographics, treatments and re-dislocations were reviewed. The age-related incidence rates were evaluated. ResultsThe incidence of diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures increased 4.4-fold (95% CI 2.0–10.8; P<0.001) between 2000 (8.2/100000) and 2009 (35.9/100000). The increase in the incidence was accelerating (P<0.001) and the overall increase was 338%. The incidence of surgical treatment for diaphyseal fractures increased 4.2-fold (95% CI 1.9–10.4, P=0.001), which is in relation to increasing number of fractures. However, internal fixation increased from 13.3% in 2000–2001 to 52.7% in 2008–2009 (P=0.015), as an alternative to conservative treatment. The re-displacement rate was high (29.9%) amongst the patients with conservative treatment compared to those who were invasively operated (1.4%) (P<0.001). The mean age of the patients increased by 2.4 years in the study period (P=0.019). Trampoline was the most important and still increasing reason for the fractures. At the beginning of the study, there were no trampoline-related fracture, but towards the end of the study 30–41% of the fractures were caused by a trampoline injury (P=0.004). ConclusionsThere was an accelerating increase in the incidence of paediatric diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures during the last decade. Trampoline was the most important and still increasing reason for these fractures. The mean age of the patients was increasing. Increasing proportion of diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures was treated operatively. Re-displacement was unusual amongst operated cases.

Both-bone forearm fractures in children Intramedullary nailing or open reduction with plate fixation?

Six small retrospective cohort studies shed little light on whether intramedullary nailing (IMN) or open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) with plate fixation is more effective in treating both-bone forearm fractures in children. No statistically significant difference between treatment groups was found with regard to functional outcomes or the average magnitude of radial bowing.Small sample sizes may have precluded detection of statistically significant differences. In one study, a statistically significant difference was found in the average radial bow location in the IMN group as compared with both the ORIF group and normative values. Cosmetically,IMN provided significantly better results (ie, smaller incision/scar length) than ORIF as assessed by two studies. For both nonunion/delayed healing and complications, rates varied widely between studies and did not consistently favor one treatment method over the other. Randomized controlled studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are needed to determine which treatment option is optimal. Use of validated outcomes measures is recommended. 根据6项小样本回顾性队列研究的结果,在评价髓内钉固定(IMN)和切开复位钢板内固定(ORIF)治疗儿童前臂双骨折的疗效时证据较弱.研究结果显示,在患肢功能和桡骨弓的恢复方面,两种治疗方法差异无统计学意义.由于样本量较小,本身就排除了产生统计学差异的可能性.一项研究显示,IMN组桡骨弓的顶点位置与ORIF组相比差异均有统计学意义.2项研究认为,与ORIF组相比,IMN组术后结果更好(如手术切口、瘢痕更小).在骨折不愈合或延迟愈合和并发症发生率方面,各研究结论不一,无法说明哪种方法更优.综上所述,仍需大样本的随机对照研究并进行长期随访,采用有效的评价方法,以便更好地评价哪种治疗方法更好.……

Both-bone forearm fractures in children

Six small retrospective cohort studies shed little light on whether intramedullary nailing (IMN) or open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) with plate fixation is more effective in treating both-bone forearm fractures in children. No statistically significant difference between treatment groups was found with regard to functional outcomes or the average magnitude of radial bowing. Small sample sizes may have precluded detection of statistically significant differences. In one study, a statistically significant difference was found in the average radial bow location in the IMN group as compared with both the ORIF group and normative values. Cosmetically, IMN provided significantly better results (ie, smaller incision / scar length) than ORIF as assessed by two studies. For both nonunion / delayed healing and complications, rates varied widely between studies and did not consistently favor one treatment method over the other. Randomized controlled studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are needed to determine which treatment option is optimal. Use of validated outcomes measures is recommended.