[Pediatric traumatology: closed or minimally invasive reduction technique for upper and lower limb fractures].

OBJECTIVE

Stable reduction of pediatric fractures to the accepted position. Prevention of recurrent dislocation or loss of reduction to avoid invasive surgery.

INDICATIONS: Pediatric fractures of the upper and lower extremities.

CONTRAINDICATIONS: Joint fractures, comminuted fractures, open fractures.

TECHNIQUE: A comfortable environment for the child as well as sufficient pain management is of highest importance for successful treatment. Depending on the location of fracture or fracture pattern, indirect reduction (e.g. by cuff and collar), or direct manual reduction is applied with or without fixation of the fragments (screws, Kirschner wire, external fixator).

POSTOPERATIVE MANAGEMENT: Follow-up radiograph 5-7 days after closed reduction. In case of retention with hardware, a consolidation control with radiograph 3-6 weeks postintervention (depending on the age of the patient) is appropriate.

RESULTS

Introduction of closed reduction techniques makes pediatric fracture treatment feasible without open interventions or need of osteosynthesis.