Operative Treatment of Diaphyseal Forearm Fracture in Children.
10.4055/jkoa.2002.37.4.518
- Author:
Baek Yong SONG
1
;
Ho Yoon KWAK
;
Sang Wook BAE
;
Nam Hong CHOI
;
In Muk LEE
;
Woo Jin KIM
;
Dong Woo PARK
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Eulji General Hospital, Eulji University School of Medicine, Seoul, Korea. sby2409@eulji.or.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Children;
Forearm bone shaft fracture;
Operative treatment;
Intramedullary nailing
- MeSH:
Adolescent;
Child*;
Follow-Up Studies;
Forearm*;
Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary;
Growth Plate;
Humans;
Osteomyelitis;
Retrospective Studies
- From:The Journal of the Korean Orthopaedic Association
2002;37(4):518-524
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: This article presents a retrospective study of treatment modality for children's diaphyseal forearm fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total 148 forearm fractures (October. 1997-October. 2001) were examined, of which 19 required operation, a teenager whose growth plate had closed was excluded from the study. 17 patients required intramedullary K-wire fixation, 2 patients required open reduction and plate fixation. Time to radiologic union, complications at the last follow up were evaluated. RESULTS: In 17 intramedullary K-wire fixation patients, the average time to union was 6 weeks and complications including 1 ulnar shortening, 1 pin infection, 1 osteomyelitis, which developed due to a patient's mistake. In 2 plating patients, average union time was 6 weeks with no complications. CONCLUSION: We think that the treatment method of pediatric forearm fracture should be decided upon based on the fracture site and type of fracture. Intramedullary K-wiring for diaphyseal forearm fracture is an effective method and we recommend that the wire is inserted across the physis in cases of diaphyseal fractures of the forearm bone close to the metaphysis. If the diaphyseal forearm fracture is refracture or a bony gap is shown at the fracture site, open reduction and plate fixation is needed. If reduction and fixation of the bone alone in a diaphyseal fracture of both forearm bones restores the stability of other fracture, fixation of the other bone can be avoided.
