Single-stage treatment of complete dislocation of radial head and forearm deformity using distraction osteogenesis in paediatric patients having multiple cartilaginous exostosis

Modified ulnar lengthening for correction of the Masada type 2 forearm deformity in hereditary multiple exostosis

Few articles have reported on the treatment of Masada type 2 forearm deformities in hereditary multiple exostosis, possibly because of the high redislocation rate and other complications. This study precisely declares the use of modified ulnar lengthening by an Ilizarov external fixation with tumour excision for the treatment of Masada type 2 forearm deformities. 20 children with Masada type 2 forearm deformities were admitted for surgical treatment at our hospital from February 2014 to February 2021. There were 13 girls and 7 boys, ranging in age from 3.5 to 15 years (mean: 9 years) at the time of operation. We removed the prominent osteochondromas of the distal ulna and the proximal radius, positioned a classic Ilizarov external fixator on the forearm and then performed ulnar transverse one-third proximal diaphyseal subperiosteal osteotomy. We adopted modified ulnar lengthening postoperatively. The effects of surgical correction of deformity and functional improvement of the limb were assessed via regular follow-up and X-ray. The patients were followed up for 36 months, and the ulna was lengthened 26.99 mm on average; all radial heads remained relocated. The radiographic evaluations, including relative ulnar shortening, radial articular angle, and carpal slip, were improved. The functions of the elbow and forearm were all improved after surgery. Modified ulnar lengthening by an Ilizarov external fixation with tumour excision for the treatment of Masada type 2 forearm deformities in hereditary multiple exostoses has been proven to be an effective and reliable technique in the early stage.

Modified gradual ulnar lengthening for treatment of Masada type IIb forearm deformity in children with hereditary multiple osteochondromas

Objective

To investigate the effect of modified gradual ulnar lengthening in the treatment of Masada type IIb forearm deformity in children with hereditary multiple osteochondromas (HMO).

Patients and methods

From May 2015 to October 2020, 12 children with Masada type IIb forearm deformity caused by HMO underwent modified gradual ulnar lengthening in our hospital. Clinical and imaging data were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical evaluation included wrist flexion and extension, wrist ulnar and radial deviation, forearm pronation and supination, and elbow range of motion. The radiographic parameters measured included the radial articular angle, carpal slip, and relative ulnar shortening.

Results

The mean operative age of the 12 patients (9 male, 3 female) was 8.5 ± 2.7 years, the mean follow-up was 31.5 ± 5.7 months, and the mean ulnar lengthening was 43.3 ± 9.9 mm. There was no significant difference in the radial articular angle between the preoperative period and the last follow-up (from 36.5° ± 9.2° to 33.8° ± 5.1°, p > 0.05). However, significant changes were found in carpal slip (from 61.3% ± 18.8% to 33.8% ± 20.8%) and relative ulnar shortening (from 5.8 ± 3.5 mm to -0.9 ± 4.85 mm) (p < 0.05). The range of motion significantly improved after modified gradual ulnar lengthening, including wrist flexion (from 38.3° ± 6.2° to 55.8° ± 9.0°), wrist extension (from 45.0° ± 9.8° to 61.7° ± 8.1°), wrist ulnar deviation (from 41.3° ± 8.6° to 29.6° ± 7.8°), wrist radial deviation (from 18.3° ± 6.2° to 30.0° ± 5.6°), forearm pronation (from 44.6° ± 7.2° to 62.1° ± 8.6°), forearm supination (from 50.0° ± 7.1° to 52.9° ± 6.6°), and elbow range of motion (from 117.1° ± 10.1° to 127.9° ± 5.4°) (all p < 0.05). During follow-up, there was one case of needle tract infection and one case of bone nonunion.

Conclusion

Modified gradual ulnar lengthening can effectively treat Masada type IIb forearm deformity caused by HMO and improve forearm function.

Characteristics of the length of the radius and ulna in children

OBJECTIVES

Congenital malformation, trauma, tumor, or metabolic disease can cause length deformity of the radius or ulna, affecting the appearance and function of the forearm. Osteotomy and lengthening with external fixation can obviously improve the length of the radius and ulna (LRU). However, the extent of lengthening required is still unclear. This study analyzed the LRU in children, to provide suggested standards for various orthopedic treatments.

METHODS

Normal LRUs were measured on X-ray images in children who came to hospital for emergency treatment, with measurements including anterior-posterior (AP) radiographs, lateral (LAT) radiographs, full LRU (total length), and LRU without the epiphysis (short length). Any cases of fracture or deformity affecting measurement were excluded. Three hundred twenty-six cases were divided into 16 groups according to age from 1 year old to 16 years old.

RESULTS

The earliest epiphyseal plate and ossification center were observed in the distal part of the radius at 1 year old, and in the proximal part at 3 years old in both boys and girls. In the ulna, at the distal end it was 6 years old in girls and 7 years old in boys, while in the proximal part ossification was observed at 9 years old in both boys and girls. The proximal epiphyseal plate of the ulna began to close on X-ray images at 12 years old in girls and 13 years in boys. LRU increased with age, and there was a strong positive correlation and consistent ratio between radius, ulna and age. In short length, the ratio of the length of radius to ulna (RLRU) ranged from 0.8941 to 0.9251 AP, from 0.8936 to 0.9375 LAT. In total length, RLRU ranged from 0.9286 to 0.9508 AP, and 0.9579 to 0.9698 LAT.

CONCLUSIONS

The length and epiphyseal ossification of the radius and ulna are associated with age. RLRU is also limited to a certain range and tends to remain stable with age. These characteristics have clinical significance for deformity correction of the forearm.

Modified osteotomy for treatment of forearm deformities (Masada IIb) in hereditary multiple osteochondromas: a retrospective review

Purpose

Approximately 30% of patients with hereditary multiple osteochondromas (HMO) have forearm deformity and dysfunction. The aim of this retrospective study was to review our experience with the surgical treatment of children with HMO and Masada IIb forearm deformities.

Methods

Data of eight children treated for HMO Masada IIb forearm deformity at our hospital between 2015 and 2019 were collected from the hospital records and retrospectively reviewed. All patients underwent ulnar lengthening by distraction osteogenesis using either the Orthofix or Ilizarov external fixator. Range of movements at the elbow and wrist joints, and forearm supination/pronation, before and after the operation were recorded. Radiographs were evaluated by the Fogel method, and wrist joint function by the Krimmer method.

Results

Follow-up radiographs showed significant improvement in relative ulnar shortening after treatment (pre-operative 9.23 ± 5.21 mm; post-operative 0.33 ± 4.13 mm). Changes in radial articular angle (pre-operative 33.55° ± 3.88° to 32.78° ± 6.57°) and carpal slip (pre-operative 45.00% ± 19.09%; post-operative 43.13% ± 16.68%) were not significant. Elbow flexion and extension, wrist flexion and extension, ulnar and radial deviation at wrist, and forearm rotation were significantly improved after surgery. Wrist function was graded as excellent in seven patients and as good in one patient. One patient treated with the Ilizarov external fixator had poor radial head reduction.

Conclusion

Ulnar lengthening with distraction osteogenesis is an effective treatment for HMO Masada IIb deformities. The optimum site for ulnar osteotomy appears to be at the proximal one-third to one-fourth of the ulna.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12891-021-04829-x.

Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Ulnar Lengthening in the Treatment of Masada Type I Forearm Deformities in Hereditary Multiple Osteochondromas

PURPOSE

Forearm deformity is common in hereditary multiple osteochondromas (HMO). The results of ulnar lengthening and osteochondroma excision are generally favorable, both clinically and radiographically. This study aimed to assess the clinical, radiographic, and functional results of forearm reconstruction in patients with Masada type I deformity (osteochondroma in the distal ulna with radial bowing, without radial head dislocation).

METHODS

A retrospective review was performed on patients with HMO who underwent surgical reconstruction for a Masada type I forearm deformity over a 10-year period. Eleven forearms in 10 patients underwent gradual ulnar lengthening with an external fixator. Age at the time of surgery was 5 to 12 years. Radiographic evaluation included ulnar shortening, radial articular angle, and carpal slip. Clinical evaluation included range of motion of the elbow and wrist. Functional outcomes were evaluated with the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire and the Short Form-36 survey.

RESULTS

At an average follow-up of 37.5 months, significant improvement was observed in ulnar shortening, the radial articular angle, and carpal slip. Preoperative average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score of 24.2 improved to 17.3. Significant improvement was observed in 3 measures of the Short Form-36 survey: general health, social functioning, and health change.

CONCLUSIONS

In agreement with the literature, surgical reconstruction yielded favorable clinical and radiographic results in Masada type I forearm deformities. The main functional improvement was observed in scales of mental health. The baseline physical impairment was minimal in the absence of radial head dislocation, but although it improved with treatment, it was not necessarily clinically relevant. This study can assist surgeons and families in setting realistic goals and expectations for surgery. There may also be additional long-term benefits to forearm lengthening in HMO, including prevention of radial head dislocation, improved range of motion, and better cosmesis, which future research may help to clarify.

TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic V.

Forearm Deformity and Radial Head Dislocation in Pediatric Patients with Hereditary Multiple Exostoses: A Prospective Study Using Proportional Ulnar Length as a Scale to Lengthen the Shortened Ulna

BACKGROUND

Ulnar lengthening is a consensus treatment for hereditary multiple exostoses with radial head dislocation in pediatric patients; however, the optimal amount of ulnar lengthening remains unclear. It is necessary to look for a parameter to decide the amount of ulnar lengthening that will avoid recurrence and complications. The purpose of the present study was to confirm that proportional ulnar length (ulnar length/radial length) can be used as a scale for ulnar lengthening in pediatric patients.

METHODS

The normal lengths of the ulna and radius in the pediatric population were measured in different age groups. The proportional ulnar length was calculated as ulnar length/radial length in each group. Thirty forearms in 26 patients with radial head dislocation were treated with ulnar lengthening and deformity correction. The goal of ulnar lengthening was to recover the normal proportional ulnar length. The function of the forearm was evaluated at the time of the latest follow-up. The preoperative and postoperative values for radial bowing, radioarticular angle, ulnar variance, and carpal slip were also compared.

RESULTS

The value of proportional ulnar length in the normal population consistently averaged approximately 1.1. In all cases, proportional ulnar length recovered to the normal value of 1.1. Reduction of the dislocated radial head was achieved in 28 forearms (93%); in 16 of these forearms, good-quality reduction was achieved and no recurrence of radial head dislocation was observed during follow-up. The function of the forearm improved markedly (p < 0.001). Ulnar variance improved from 2.51 to -0.79 cm (p < 0.001). Radial deformities improved according to measurements of radial bowing and the radioarticular angle (p < 0.001). All parents were satisfied with the postoperative appearance and function of the forearm.

CONCLUSIONS

Proportional ulnar length could be used as a scale to decide the amount of ulnar lengthening for radial head dislocation in pediatric patients with hereditary multiple exostoses. Ulnar lengthening according to proportional ulnar length and deformity correction can prevent recurrence of ulnar variance and avoid impingement of the wrist.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Effect of Distal Ulna Osteochondroma Excision and Distal Ulnar Tether Release on Forearm Deformity in Preadolescent Patients With Multiple Hereditary Exostosis

BACKGROUND

Multiple hereditary exostosis is a benign condition that can lead to significant forearm deformity secondary to physeal disturbances. As the child grows, the deformity can worsen as relative shortening of the ulna causes tethering, which may lead to increased radial articular angle, carpal slippage, and radial bowing, over time this tethering can also result in radial head subluxation or frank dislocation. Worsening of forearm deformities often require corrective reconstructive osteotomies to improve anatomic alignment and function. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of osteochondroma excision and distal ulnar tether release on clinical function, radiographic anatomic forearm alignment, and need for future corrective osteotomies.

METHODS

The authors reviewed a retrospective cohort of preadolescent patients who underwent distal ulna osteochondroma resection and ulnar tethering release (triangular fibrocartilage complex). Patients were invited back and prospectively evaluated for postoperative range of motion, pain scores, self-reported and parent-reported Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) and Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument (PODCI) scores. In addition, preoperative and final postsurgical follow-up forearm x-rays were reviewed.

RESULTS

A total of 6 patients and 7 forearms were included in our study with an average age of 7.9 years at time of surgery. The average final follow-up was 7.4 years. With respect to range of motion, only passive radial deviation demonstrated improvement -20 to 14 degrees (P=0.01). Although there was not statistically significant change in radial articular angle, this study did find an improvement in carpal slip 75.7% to 53.8% (P=0.03). At final follow-up DASH score was 5.71 (σ=5.35), PODCI Global Function score was 95.2 (σ=5.81), and PODCI-Happiness score 98 (σ=2.74). Visual analogue scale appearance and visual analogue scale pain assessment were 1.67 (σ=1.21) and 1.00 (σ=1.26), respectively, at final follow-up. No patient in the cohort developed a radial head dislocation. Only one of 7 forearms required a corrective osteotomy within the study's follow-up time period.

CONCLUSIONS

Surgical excision of forearm osteochondromas with ulnar tether release in the preadolescent patients improves carpal slip, may help to prevent subsequent surgical reconstruction and provides satisfactory clinical results at an average 7-year follow-up.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level III-therapeutic study.

Less Is More: Ulnar Lengthening Alone without Radial Corrective Osteotomy in Forearm Deformity Secondary to Hereditary Multiple Exostoses

Ulnar lengthening has gained popularity in treating forearm deformity due to hereditary multiple exostoses (HME). Whether a simultaneous radius angular correction is necessary for bowing deformity remains debatable. We aimed to evaluate effectiveness and safety of ulnar lengthening alone in HME children. HME patients with forearm deformity who underwent ulnar lengthening between 2011 and 2016 were included. Patients were divided into two groups: eight juniors (age ≤ 10 years) and six seniors (>10 years). The mean age of two groups was 8.1 ± 2.5 and 16.7 ± 4.4 years, respectively. The juniors underwent ulnar lengthening alone, and the seniors received an additional radial corrective osteotomy. Pre-operative and post-operative parameters of supination, pronation, ulnar variance (UV), radial articular angles (RAA), and carpal slip (CS) were assessed. The juniors rather the seniors had an improvement in supination (p < 0.05 and p = 0.109, respectively). The juniors and seniors improved in pronation (p < 0.05). UV, RAA, and CS were corrected in the seniors (p < 0.05). In the juniors, parameters improved in UV, RAA, and CS (p < 0.05). For HME children, ulnar lengthening alone can restore radiologic anatomy and functions, providing comparable surgical outcomes in cosmetic results and clinical parameters.

A Modification of Internal Bone Transport Method for Reconstruction of Nonunion of Forearm

BACKGROUND

Defects of bone and soft tissue occur frequently after high-energy trauma, infections, and tumor resection. Treatment options are limited and outcomes are controversial in nonunion. Classical reconstruction methods are challenging. We describe a method of internal bone transport for treatment of complicated nonunion of the forearm. This method permits axial and internal bone transport without harming the distorted and complex neurovascular anatomy or soft-tissue envelope.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five patients (mean age, 27 years) with defect nonunion (3 ulna, 2 radius) were treated. Mean preoperative defect size was 36 mm, mean shortening was 14 (0-30) mm, and the extent of surgical resection was 24 (20-40) mm. Total bone loss due to defect, resection, or shortening was 74 mm. According to Paley classification, two of the patients had B1, and three had B3 defect nonunion. This study treats defect nonunion of the forearm using an internal bone-transport method. Our method involved cannulated screws, a cerclage wire, and a circular fixator being used in combination. When transportation was completed, internal fixation of the docking site with a plate and screws was done, with bone grafting after fixator removal. Bone healing and functional outcomes were assessed with radiographs and disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (DASH) scores, respectively.

RESULTS

Mean followup was 67.6 months. Solid osseous union and functional improvement were achieved in all cases. Mean bone loss was 66 mm, mean fixator time was 131.8 days, the lengthening index was 1.3 days/mm, and the fixator index was 2.1 days/mm. DASH score was 82.2 before treatment and 15.36 after treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Using our method, internal bone transport and progressive axial docking of defects can be done with minimal effects on surrounding neurovascular arrangements and soft tissues. Size of fixators can be decreased and formation of painful scar tissue can be avoided.

Gradual ulnar lengthening by an Ilizarov ring fixator for correction of Masada IIb forearm deformity without tumor excision in hereditary multiple exostosis: preliminary results

Bony exostoses are benign osteocartilaginous growths that start close to growth plates. Approximately 30-60% of patients have forearm deformities. The commonly encountered forearm deformities in these patients are bowing of the radius, with or without ulnar drift of the carpus, radial head dislocation, shortening of the ulna, and radial head dislocation. The current study reported on the results of management of radial head dislocation for type IIb Masada and Oho classification of forearm deformities by Ilizarov ulnar lengthening and without tumor excision. A series of 12 patients with Masada type IIb deformity were treated by Ilizarov lengthening at AlHadra University Hospital, Alexandria, Egypt, during the period from January 2008 to June 2014. There were eight males and four females; the right forearm was affected in seven patients. The mean age of the patients was 8.7 years (range: 7.5-10 years). All cases showed ulnar shortening with distal ulnar exostosis and radial head dislocation (Masada type IIb). All patients were operated on under general anesthesia, with application of the Ilizarov frame to the forearm. The frame used was assembled of two complete rings; the proximal one was fixed to the proximal ulna and the distal ring was fixed to both radius and ulna. Ulnar osteotomy was performed between the two rings, followed by ulnar lengthening 10 days postoperatively to lengthen the ulna and pull down the radius. Over a follow-up period of 33.2 months (24-48 months), all patients showed spontaneous reduction of the radial head and correction of the forearm deformity. The range of motion improved: flexion increased from 117.5° (110-130°) to 145° (130-160°) and extension increased to 4.6° (0-10°), whereas it was 13.8° (10-20°) preoperatively and the supination increased from 46.3° (40-50°) preoperatively to 73.6° (65-80°) postoperatively. Pronation improved from a preoperative average of 37.9° (30-40°) to 70.8° (60-80°) at the end of follow-up. The average amount of ulnar length was 27.9 mm (25-35) and the duration of external fixation was 103.3 days on average, with a range of 90-130. Thus, the average external fixation index was 3.7 days/mm (range: 3.6-4.0). Gradual lengthening of the ulna and pulling down the radius with an Ilizarov frame is an excellent method for correction of forearm deformity in patients with multiple hereditary exostosis (Masada IIb). Early intervention is the key to achieving spontaneous reduction of the radial head in all patients without the need for corrective osteotomy or tumor excision. Level of evidence: level IV.

Treatment of forearm deformity with radial head dislocation because of multiple osteochondromas: a series of three cases treated by simple axis correction and distraction osteogenesis of the ulna

Radial head dislocation in multiple osteochondroma leads to functional impairment and cosmetic problems, and surgical intervention has not been successful to date, with high rates of redislocation. Simple correction of the longitudinal axis and distraction oste8ogenesis of the ulna without corrective osteotomy of the radius were performed within 1 year of radial head dislocation. The mean age of the patients was 7.2 years and the postoperative follow-up duration was 63.6 months. In all cases, the dislocated radial head was repositioned without surgical invention involving the radius. All patients were pain free, with no impairment of daily activity, and all were satisfied with the cosmetic appearance, indicating successful medium-term postoperative outcomes for our surgical procedure.

Current paediatric orthopaedic practice in hereditary multiple osteochondromas of the forearm: a systematic review

Introduction: This systematic review aims to answer three research questions concerning the management of hereditary multiple osteochondromas of forearm in children: What is the best available evidence for the currently employed surgical procedures? What patient characteristics are associated with better prognosis? What disease characteristics are associated with better prognosis?

Methods: We searched the literature using three major databases with no publication date restrictions. To enhance search sensitivity and maintain precision we used keywords/subject terms correlating with patient population, problem and interventions. We used strict inclusion/exclusion criteria to improve validity evidence.

Results: The search process yielded 34 eligible studies with a total of 282 patients (315 forearms). We comprehensively analysed study and patient demographics and interventions and outcomes. Eleven studies (32%) had a long-term follow-up and 31 studies (91%) were retrospective. Of the total number of forearms, ulnar lengthening +/− associated procedures was used in 210 forearms (66.7%), isolated osteochondroma excision in 65 forearms (20.6%) and isolated distal radius hemiepiphysiodesis in 15 forearms (4.7%) among others.

Discussion: Ulnar lengthening can restore radiologic anatomy, improve appearance and to a lesser extent objective clinical parameters like joint range of motion on the short/intermediate term. Isolated osteochondroma excision can relief pain and satisfy cosmetic concerns occasionally. There is poor evidence to suggest that surgery improves quality of life or function. Predictors of surgical success in regard to patient and disease characteristics remain elusive. Natural history and prospective randomized control studies where the control group receives no treatment should be rethought. They have the potential for bias control and identification of the ideal surgical candidate. The complex interplay between the confounding variables has undermined the capability of most studies to provide well-grounded evidence to support and generalize their conclusions. Valid quality of life scales should supplement objective outcome measures.

Bone Lengthening in the Pediatric Upper Extremity

➤Bone lengthening has been used successfully for several congenital and acquired conditions in the pediatric clavicle, humerus, radius, ulna, and phalanges.➤Common indications for bone lengthening include achondroplasia, radial longitudinal deficiency, multiple hereditary exostosis, brachymetacarpia, symbrachydactyly, and posttraumatic and postinfectious growth arrest.➤Most authors prefer distraction rates of <1 mm/day for each bone in the upper extremity except the humerus, which can safely be lengthened by 1 mm/day.➤Most authors define success by the amount of radiographic bone lengthening, joint motion after lengthening, and subjective patient satisfaction rather than validated patient-related outcome measures.➤Bone lengthening of the upper extremity is associated with a high complication rate, with complications including pin-track infections, fixation device failure, nerve lesions, nonunion, fracture of regenerate bone, and joint dislocations.

[Reduction of the dislocation of the radial head in the context of exostoses disease: report of a case]

La luxation de la tête radiale dans le cadre de la maladie exostosante constitue une complication de déséquilibre de croissance des deux os de l'avant bras secondaire à une exostose distale de l'ulna. Le traitement est difficile et controversé par les auteurs. Nous présentons une technique originale pour le traitement de cette entité. Après la correction de l'index radio-cubital inférieur par un allongement progressif de l'ulna, une fixation radio-cubitale inférieure par les fiches distales de l'Orthofix^® et un deuxième allongement de l'ulna permet l'abaissement de la tête radiale et sa réduction. La réduction progressive par allongement de l'ulna par la méthode de callotasis constitue une technique séduisante et réalise l'inverse du ce qui passé lors de ralentissement de croissance de l'ulna sous l'effet de l'exostose ulnaire.

Reconstruction of the DRUJ in a young adult after resection of a large exostosis of the distal radius

The prevalence of known solitary exostosis is around 1–2 % in the general population. Treatment of an exostosis may consist of resection with or without further treatment for deformity. The distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) acts as the link between radius and ulna at the wrist and is important in the transmission of load. Its anatomic integrity should be respected in surgical procedures or ulnar-sided wrist pain because of instability, limitation of forearm rotation and potential development of grip weakness may develop. We present a case of reconstruction of the DRUJ with distraction lengthening of the ulna after resection of a large exostosis of the distal radius that had resulted in a malformed and dysplastic ulna. This treatment in a young patient resulted in a stable, functional and congruent distal radioulnar joint.

Modified Ilizarov technique for the treatment of forearm deformities in multiple cartilaginous exostoses: case series and literature review

The aim of this study is to evaluate the results of gradual ulnar correction and lengthening using the modified Ilizarov technique for the treatment of forearm deformities in patients with multiple cartilaginous exostoses. We retrospectively reviewed 23 forearms in 16 patients. Three different types of operative procedures were performed: (1) corrective osteotomy and gradual lengthening of the ulna, (2) corrective osteotomy of the radius, and (3) excision of exostoses. We evaluated the radiographs; range of motion of the wrist, forearm, and elbow; and functional status using a questionnaire before and after operation. During the clinical interview, post-operative functional status was significantly improved than pre-operative functional status, 12 patients stated that they had no difficulty in performing daily activities, 11 patients stated that they had no pain, and 11 patients stated that the post-operative appearance of the operated forearm was satisfactory. At time of final follow-up, the mean range of motion of the wrist in ulnar/radial deviation, forearm pronation/supination was significantly improved. Also, the radiographic parameters including radial articular angle, carpal slip, radial bowing, and ulnar variance were significantly improved at time of final follow-up. In conclusion, we achieved successful clinical and radiological outcomes in our patients with forearm deformities after treatment with the modified Ilizarov method. However, there could be a recurrence of ulnar shortening and deformity during growth periods in skeletally immature patients.