Operative management of fractures of the shaft of the radius and ulna.

Diaphyseal fractures of the radius and ulna usually can be managed by closed reduction and immobilization in a long arm cast. Open fractures may benefit from pinning if the reduction will be difficult to maintain. Fractures that cannot be reduced or for which satisfactory alignment maintained are best managed operatively. Our preference is for intramedullary fixation. Operative management will be necessary most frequently in children older than age 10.