The application of open intramedullary fixation in the treatment of pediatric radial and ulnar shaft fractures.

OBJECTIVES

This retrospective review evaluates the efficiency of standard intramedullary Kirschner wires for the treatment of unstable diaphyseal forearm fractures in children.

DESIGN

Retrospective review.

SETTING

Large teaching and research hospital in Turkey.

PATIENTS: Thirty-one patients with diaphyseal forearm fractures were treated by surgical method between 1988 and 1998. The mean age was 12.3 years (range 7 to 17 years). The mean follow-up period was 4.2 years (1 to 6.2 years).

INTERVENTION: The method of treatment of each forearm fracture was open reduction and intramedullary Kirschner wire fixation using a mini-incision.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Fracture union, growth disturbance of the forearm, and complications were evaluated.

RESULTS

Union was obtained in all cases except two (6.4 percent). No forearm inequality was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Intramedullary fixation is a useful technique for unstable shaft fractures of the forearm in children that can not be treated by closed manipulation.