Treatment outcomes of both-bone diaphyseal paediatric forearm fractures

Outcomes and complications of Titanium elastic nailing for forearm bones fracture in children: our experience in a district general hospital in the United Kingdom

Intramedullary Titanium elastic nailing (TENS) is successfully used for irreducible and displaced forearm bone fractures in children. The purpose of this study was to report the potential complications and functional outcomes associated with paediatric forearm fractures treated with TENS nails. We retrospectively reviewed 65 children with displaced forearm bone fractures treated by TENS nailing with a mean follow-up of 5.84 months (4-12). Data detailing patient demographics, fracture characteristics, associated fractures, injury surgery interval, grade of the operating surgeon, methods of fixation, time to union, the timing of removal of the nail, and complications were collected and analysed. The mean age in our study was 9.13 years. 92% had fractures of both radius and ulna, 83.3% had fixation of both bones, and 16.7% had single bone fixation only. Open reduction was required in 38.5% of cases. The average time to fracture union was 10.34 weeks (6-20). The average time of implant removal was 20.12 weeks (9-32). We observed an overall complication rate of 41.5%. We noted a higher (56% vs 32.5%, p=0.059) complication rate in open reduction cases. According to the Price criteria, we had excellent to good results in over 98% of patients despite a slightly higher complication rate. Titanium elastic nailing is a safe, reliable method of internal fixation for irreducible or unstable fractures of both bones of the forearm in children. Open reduction of fracture was associated with higher complications. Despite higher overall complications, we noted excellent functional results in most cases.

The Risk of Nerve Injury in Pediatric Forearm Fractures

UPDATE

This article was updated on July 19, 2023, because of a previous error, which was discovered after the preliminary version of the article was posted online. On page 1080, in the last sentence of the Results section of the Abstract, the text that had read "0.05% (4 of 777)" now reads "0.5% (4 of 777)."

BACKGROUND

The risk of fracture-related nerve injury associated with forearm fractures in children is unknown. The purposes of the present study were to calculate the risk of fracture-related nerve injury and to report the institutional rate of complications of surgical treatment of pediatric forearm fractures.

METHODS

Four thousand, eight hundred and sixty-eight forearm fractures (ICD-10 codes S52.0 to S52.7) that had been treated in our tertiary level pediatric hospital between 2014 and 2021 were identified in our institutional fracture registry. Of these, 3,029 fractures occurred in boys and 53 were open fractures. Sex, age at injury, trauma mechanism and energy, fracture type, treatment method, and cause and type of nerve injury were assessed in 43 patients with 44 registered nerve injuries. Patients with nerve injuries were reevaluated to calculate the recovery time. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to determine the risk of nerve injury.

RESULTS

The risk of a fracture-related nerve injury was 0.7% (33 of 4,868). Only 2 injuries were permanent; thus, the risk of permanent nerve injury associated with a forearm fracture was 0.04% (2 of 4,868). The ulnar nerve was affected in 19 cases; the median nerve, in 8; and the radial nerve, in 7. In cases of open fracture, the risk of nerve injury was 17% (9 of 53). Open fractures had an OR of 33.73 (95% CI, 14.97 to 70.68) on univariate analysis and an OR of 10.73 (95% CI 4.50 to 24.22) on multivariate analysis with adjustment for female sex and both-bone diaphyseal fracture. Both-bone diaphyseal fracture (ICD-10 code S52.4) had an OR of 9.01 (95% CI, 4.86 to 17.37) on univariate analysis and an OR of 9.98 (95% CI 5.32 to 19.47) on multivariate analysis with adjustment for age and female sex. Overall, 777 fractures were internally fixed. The risk of nerve injury as a complication of internal fixation was 1.3% (10 of 777). Four of these iatrogenic injuries (including 2 involving the median nerve, 1 involving the ulnar nerve, and 1 involving the radial nerve) were permanent; thus, the risk of permanent nerve injury as a complication of internal fixation was 0.5% (4 of 777).

CONCLUSIONS

Nerve injury following a pediatric forearm fracture is rare and has an excellent potential for spontaneous recovery. In the present study, all of the permanent nerve injuries occurred in association with open fractures or as a complication of internal fixation.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Seven-year Outcomes of Adolescent Forearm Fractures Treated With Plate Fixation

BACKGROUND

Pediatric forearm fractures are common injuries and can sometimes require surgical treatment. Few studies have evaluated the long-term outcomes of pediatric forearm fracture plating. We evaluated long-term functional outcomes and satisfaction in children with forearm fractures treated with plate fixation.

METHODS

We performed a single-institution case series at a pediatric level 1 trauma center. Inclusion criteria were: patients with radius and/or ulna diaphyseal fractures, index surgery at 18 years of age or younger, plate fixation, and a minimum of 2 years follow-up. We surveyed patients with the QuickDASH outcome measure and supplemented this with functional outcomes and satisfaction questions. Demographics and surgery characteristics were obtained from the electronic medical record.

RESULTS

A total of 41 patients met the eligibility criteria, of whom 17 completed the survey with a mean follow-up of 7.2 ± 1.4 years. The mean age at index surgery was 13.1 ± 3.6 years (range, 4 to 17), with 65% males. All patients reported at least one symptom, with aching (41%) and pain (35%) occurring most frequently. There were 2 complications (12%), including one infection and one compartment syndrome treated with fasciotomy. Hardware removal occurred in 29% of patients. There were no refractures. The mean QuickDASH score was 7.7 ± 11.9, with an occupation module score of 1.6 ± 3.9 and a sports/performing arts module score of 12.0 ± 19.7. The mean surgery satisfaction was 92% and scar satisfaction was 75%. All patients returned to prior activities and 88% reported a return to their preoperative baseline level of function.

CONCLUSIONS

Plate fixation for pediatric forearm fractures achieves osseous union but not without the potential for long-term sequelae. All patients reported residual symptoms 7 years later. Scar satisfaction and return to baseline function were imperfect. Patient education for long-term outcomes of surgery is essential, especially in the transition to adulthood.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, therapeutic study.

Subsequent Forearm Fractures Following Initial Surgical Fixation

INTRODUCTION

Forearm fractures are a common pediatric injury. Currently, there is no consensus on treatment for fractures that recur following initial surgical fixation. The objective of this study was to investigate the subsequent fracture rate and patterns and describe the treatment of these forearm fractures.

METHODS

We retrospectively identified patients who underwent surgical treatment for an initial forearm fracture at our institution between 2011 and 2019. Patients were included if they sustained a diaphyseal or metadiaphyseal forearm fracture that was initially treated surgically with a plate and screw construct (plate) or elastic stable intramedullary nail (ESIN), and if they subsequently sustained another fracture that was treated at our institution.

RESULTS

A total of 349 forearm fractures were treated surgically with ESIN or a plate fixation. Of these, 24 sustained another fracture, yielding a subsequent fracture rate of 10.9% for the plate cohort and 5.1% for the ESIN cohort ( P =0.056). The majority of plate refractures (90%) occurred at the proximal or distal plate edge, while 79% of the fractures treated previously with ESINs occurred at the initial fracture site ( P <0.001). Ninety percent of plate refractures required revision surgery, with 50% underwent plate removal and conversion to ESIN, and 40% underwent revision plating. Within the ESIN cohort, 64% were treated nonsurgically, 21% underwent revision ESINs, and 14% underwent revision plating. Tourniquet time for revision surgeries were shorter for the ESIN cohort (46 vs. 92 min; P =0.012). In both cohorts, all revision surgeries had no complications and healed with evidence of radiographic union. However, 9 patients (37.5%) underwent implant removal (3 plates and 6 ESINs) after subsequent fracture healing.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to characterize subsequent forearm fractures following both ESIN and plate fixation and to describe and compare treatment options. Consistent with the literature, refractures following surgical fixation of pediatric forearm fractures may occur at a rate ranging from 5% to 11%. ESINs are both less invasive at the time of initial surgery and can often be treated nonoperatively if there is a subsequent fracture, while plate refractures are more likely to be treated with a second surgery and have a longer average surgery time.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV-retrospective case series.

The effects of maximal radial bowing on forearm rotation in pediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures

PURPOSE

To evaluate the effects of radial bowing on forearm rotation in forearm fractures compared with healthy children.

METHODS

A retrospective study was conducted on children aged 1-16 years old. Group 1 was children with history of diaphyseal forearm fractures, and group 2 was healthy children. Children in group 1 with ≤ 70° forearm pronation and/or ≤ 80° supination on affected side are defined as "case." In group 2, children with forearm pronation > 70° and/or supination > 80° are defined as "control." Radial bowing was measured on AP radiograph of the forearm; maximal radial bowing (MRB) and location of the maximal radial bowing (LMRB) were recorded.

RESULTS

Total of 112 children were included (group 1 = 70, group 2 = 42). In group 1, there were 28 children with ≤ 70° forearm pronation and/or ≤ 80° forearm supination (case group). In group 2, there were 33 children with > 70° forearm pronation and > 80° forearm supination (control group). Mean age of case and control group was 11.08 ± 3.02 and 7.85 ± 3.93 years, respectively. Average MRB was 6.15 ± 1.93% and LMRB was 61.94 ± 9.41% in case group. In control group, average MRB was 7.23 ± 1.03% and LMRB was 62.08 ± 4.24%. There was statistically significant correlation between children with ≤ 70° forearm pronation and MRB (P = 0.034) compared with control group. Also, there was statistically significant correlation between children with ≤ 80° forearm supination and MRB (P = 0.023) compared with control group. For ROC curve analysis, MRB ≤ 6.84% showed the association with ≤ 70° forearm pronation (72.2% sensitivity and 73.8% specificity) and MRB ≤ 5.75% associated with ≤ 80° forearm supination (54.6% sensitivity and 84.9% specificity).

CONCLUSIONS

Children with MRB ≤ 6.84% can result in ≤ 70° forearm pronation, and MRB ≤ 5.75% can be presented with ≤ 80° forearm supination.

Girl predominance in trampoline-related forearm shaft fractures and their increasing incidence since 2000

BACKGROUND

There are reports of increasing incidence of forearm shaft fractures in children. Their treatment has been preferably nonoperative but surgical fixation has gained popularity due to elastic stable intramedullary nailing. We aimed to study whether the incidence of pediatric both-bone forearm shaft fractures and their operative care have changed since year 2000. Trampoline injuries, in particular, and their treatment, re-displacement and short-term outcomes were the secondary outcomes of the study.

METHODS

A population-based study in the geographic catchment area of Oulu University Hospital district in 20-years of time period (2000 - 2019) was performed. Altogether 481 diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures in children (< 16 years) were included. Age- and sex-related incidence rates were determined, by using the official numbers of the population-in-risk by Statistics Finland. Trampoline jumping and other types of injury were reviewed, as well as particulars of treatment and outcomes.

RESULTS

The incidence of diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures increased from 9.4/100 000 in 2000-2001 to 41.7/100 000 in 2018-2019 (P < 0.001). Surgical treatment increased respectively (from 8.8/100 000 in 2000-2001 to 35.3/100 000 in 2018-2019, P < 0.0001). Trampoline injuries explained one in three (29%) of all fractures; they increased from 0% in 2000-2001 to 36.6% in 2018-2019 (P < 0.001). During the last four years of the study (2016-2019), most trampoline-related injuries occurred among girls (61.2%), compared to boys (38.8%) (P = 0.031). Trampoline-related injuries comprised 46.9% of all fractures in girls, compared to 26.0% among boys (Diff. 20.8%, 4.7% to 36.1%, P = 0.009). The mean age of the patients elevated from 6.4 years (2000-2001) to 8.6 years (2018-2019) (P = 0.015). Boys predominated (69.6%) in 2000-2009 but during the last ten years, there was no statistical difference in distribution between the genders (males 54.6%, P = 0.11).

CONCLUSIONS

During the twenty-year's of study period, the incidence of pediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures increased fivefold. Trampolining was the most usual single reason for the fractures. More attention should be focused to increase the safety of trampoline jumping, in particular among the girls.

Pilot Study and Preliminary Results of Biodegradable Intramedullary Nailing of Forearm Fractures in Children

(1) Background: Diaphyseal forearm fractures are a common injury in children and adolescents. When operative treatment is needed, elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) is the most common surgical procedure. Although there is no clear evidence, hardware removal after fracture healing is performed in many patients. Often, the primary minimal invasive incision needs to be widened during implant removal. In order to decrease the burden of care of pediatric fractures, significant efforts were made to develop biodegradable implants, which make hardware removal unnecessary. Our study will conduct an observational trial on the clinical use of the Activa IM-Nail™ in forearm fractures in children between 3 and 13 years of age. The objective of this trial is to evaluate the risks and benefits of the Activa IM-Nail™. Among other objectives, the rate of refracture will be determined. (2) Methods: An international Europe-based, multicenter, prospective, single-arm, open-label study will be performed to ascertain the rate of refracture and to determine the subjective benefits of Activa IM-Nail™ for patients, parents and other caregivers. The study will include clinical follow-up including early post-operative complication, radiographs until bony healing and an additional follow-up after 1 year. At this stage, preliminary results and early complications on 76 patients are analyzed in this study and presented. (3) Results: As of April 2022, 76 patients were enrolled as per study protocol. There were 31 girls (40.8%) and 45 boys (59.2%). The mean age at the time of inclusion was 8.9 years (±2.4 years). The mean operation time was 58.9 ± 22.9 min (range, 15–119 min). The mean follow-up time was 8.9 ± 5.1 months (range, 0.2–18.6). Up to now, one refracture has occurred in one child falling from a height of about one meter 7 months after index surgery (1/76; 1.3%). (4) Conclusion: The research project assesses the safety and effectiveness of Activa IM-Nails™ as part of the surgical treatment of dislocated forearm fractures in children in the context of a PMCF study. The use of Activa IM-Nails™ with regard to various objectives, including postoperative complications and refracture rate, seems to be equal to the standard titan ESIN procedure compared to the literature. Preliminary results are encouraging and are made available.

Review of pediatric functional outcomes measures used to evaluate surgical management in pediatric patients with an upper extremity fracture

For two decades, many scores, questionnaires, and rating systems have been used to evaluate the functional outcome of children with an upper extremity fracture (UEF). However, only a few of these were created specifically for children, and many assess only elbow function. In the absence of any published review on this topic, we set out to identify and categorize different scores used to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes of surgically treated pediatric UEFs. A literature search was performed, and 38 studies were identified. The scores used more often were the shortened version of the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score/Index. In a lower number of studies, authors used other scoring systems, including the Mayo Wrist Score, the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation, the Patient-Rated Elbow Evaluation, the Métaizeau functional scoring system, the Oxford Elbow Score, the Price and Flynn criteria, the Hardacre Functional Score, the Neer Shoulder Score, the Constant-Murley Shoulder Score, the Modified Orthopedic Trauma Association Score, the Medical Outcomes Study Short Form-36, and the Pediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument. Some specific pediatric scoring systems to evaluate the functional outcome of children with a UEF have been suggested, but a single tool that is valid and reliable for skeletally immature patients of all ages is not yet available. Further studies are needed to identify specific pediatric measurements to increase validity, responsiveness, sensitivity, and interpretability of upper limb functional outcome scores in common clinical practice.

Re-fractures of the paediatric radius and/or ulna: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

Fractures of the radius and/or ulna are one of the most common injuries in children. Evidence identifying risk factors for refracture, however, has not been summarised in a systematic review. Guidance for counselling patients and parents to minimise the risk of refracture is limited. The aims of this study are to 1) to determine if casting time 6 weeks or less is a risk factor for refracture after paediatric radius and/or ulna fractures, 2) to identify other risk factors for refracture after paediatric radius and/or ulna fractures and 3) to develop more accurate guidelines for counselling parents after a radius and/or ulna fracture in their child.

METHODS

A thorough search was performed in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) guidelines for systematic review. JBI Critical Appraisal checklists were used for risk of bias assessment.

RESULTS

Diaphyseal both-bone fractures treated non-surgically should be casted for longer than 6 weeks. Surgically treated patients can be casted for less than 6 weeks. Diaphyseal and greenstick fractures have a higher risk of refracture. Residual angulation and incomplete healing in greenstick fractures may lead to a higher risk of refracture. Gender does not affect refracture risk. Falls, use of wheeled vehicles, playground activities and trampolining confer high-risk of refracture. Refracture risk is greatest up to 9 months from initial fracture.

CONCLUSION

Further case-controlled studies with sub-group analysis are required to further investigate risk factors for refracture after radius and/or ulna fractures in children.

Casting versus flexible intramedullary nailing in displaced forearm shaft fractures in children aged 7-12 years: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

The forearm is the most common fracture location in children, with an increasing incidence. Displaced forearm shaft fractures have traditionally been treated with closed reduction and cast immobilisation. Diaphyseal fractures in children have poor remodelling capacity. Malunion can cause permanent cosmetic and functional disability. Internal fixation with flexible intramedullary nails has gained increasing popularity, without evidence of a better outcome compared with closed reduction and cast immobilisation.

METHOD AND ANALYSIS

This is a multicentre, randomised superiority trial comparing closed reduction and cast immobilisation to flexible intramedullary nails in children aged 7-12 years with >10° of angulation and/or >10 mm of shortening in displaced both bone forearm shaft fractures (AO-paediatric classification: 22D/2.1-5.2). A total of 78 patients with minimum 2 years of expected growth left are randomised in 1:1 ratio to either treatment group. The study has a parallel non-randomised patient preference arm. Both treatments are performed under general anaesthesia. In the cast group a long arm cast is applied for 6 weeks. The flexible intramedullary nail group is immobilised in a collar and cuff sling for 4 weeks. Data are collected at baseline and at each follow-up until 1 year.Primary outcome is (1) PROMIS paediatric upper extremity and (2) forearm pronation-supination range of motion at 1-year follow-up. Secondary outcomes are Quick DASH, Paediatric Pain Questionnaire, Cosmetic Visual Analogue Scale, wrist and elbow range of motion as well as any complications and costs of treatment.We hypothesise that flexible intramedullary nailing results in a superior outcome.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

We have received ethical board approval (number: 78/1801/2020) and permissions to conduct the study from all five participating university hospitals. Informed consent is obtained from the parent(s). Results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

NCT04664517.

Factors affecting early re-displacement of paediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures at Korle Bu Teaching Hospital

Background

Complete fractures of the forearm have the potential to displace and angulate with overriding fracture fragments. Maintaining acceptable reduction is not always possible, and re- displacement or re-angulation is the most commonly reported complication. Factors responsible for the re-displacement after an initial acceptable reduction have not been clearly defined. The study aimed to determine the factors that influence early re-displacement of paediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures in Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital.

Methods

A prospective study in a cohort of 72 children below the age of 12 years with diaphyseal forearm fracture attending the Orthopaedic clinic were followed with close reduction casting from April 2017-December, 2017. Factors analysed included demographics, initial fracture features and the radiographic indices of the cast quality.

Results

93.1% (67) of the fractures were because of the children falling on an outstretched arm. Majority of the children had a fracture of the distal 1/3 of the radius (n=38, 52.6%). The overall C.I was 0.8 (SD 0.1). The only significant predictor for predicting re-displacement was children falling on an outstretched hand (p-value=0.0).

Conclusion

This study has shown that the degree of initial displacement and the ability to achieve good reduction with a well moulded cast, constitute the major factors for early re-displacement of paediatric forearm fractures

Funding

Personal funding

Prevention of secondary displacement and reoperation of distal metaphyseal forearm fractures in children

BACKGROUND

Metaphyseal distal forearm fractures are common in paediatric patients and treating these fractures by reduction and cast immobilization alone is under debate, since secondary displacement is a frequent complication that often warrants re-intervention. This study was conducted to invest the incidence of secondary displacement and re-intervention for non-displaced and displaced fractures, with or without fixation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

A retrospective cohort study was conducted analysing all consecutive paediatric patients under the age of 16 with distal metaphyseal forearm fractures throughout a 2-year period. Data were recorded on radiographic characteristics, OTC/AO-classification, type of treatment, reduction technique, surgical interventions and removal of hardware and complications.

RESULTS

200 Patients with displaced metaphyseal forearm fractures were included of which 139 were primarily treated in the emergency room, the other 61 patients were primarily treated in the operating room. 83% Of the patients had a satisfactory reduction in the emergency room and 94% of these patients were treated successfully with casting alone. A total of 84 patients were treated in the operating room of whom 30% underwent reduction and K-wire fixation, and 70% underwent reduction and casting only. 47% Of the patients treated with closed reduction without K-wire fixation in the operating room suffered from secondary displacement, of which 80% needed re-intervention.

CONCLUSION

Metaphyseal forearm fractures can be treated with a very high success rate by closed reduction and casting alone in the emergency room. Reduction and casting of displaced metaphyseal forearm fractures in children that needed treatment in the operating room however, resulted in unacceptable high rate of secondary displacement and commonly required re-intervention. Those patients should therefore be treated by reduction and K-wire fixation.

Elastic stable intramedullary nailing for treatment of pediatric forearm fractures: A 15-year single centre retrospective study of 173 cases

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes and complications in children treated with elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) for forearm fracture.

METHODS

The study included 173 patients (126 men and 47 women; median age: 11 years (range: 3-17 years) treated with ESIN for forearm fracture between May 2002 and May 2018. Immobilization was not performed after the surgery. The median follow-up was 68 months (range: 3-161 months). The etiology, healing time, and complications were recorded.

RESULTS

All patients achieved complete radiographic healing at a median of 6.8 weeks (range: 4-11 weeks). The most common injuries were sport related (n=65) and by falling from standing height (n=57), followed by injuries from bicycle riding, motorbike accidents, road traffic accidents, and fights. Fifteen (8.76%) postoperative complications were recorded: eight entry-site skin irritations, two cases of skin infection, two refractures, and one case each of nail migration, injury of ulnar nerve, and pseudoarthrosis. All complications, except cases of refractures and pseudoarthrosis, were treated conservatively, with no long-term consequences for the patients. Patients with refractures and pseudoarthrosis were reoperated, and complete function of the extremities was fully restored.

CONCLUSION

ESIN for treatment of forearm fractures in children shows good functional and cosmetic results. This is a minimally invasive, cast-free, simple, and reproducible technique, with a low complication rate. Owing to these excellent objective and subjective results, surgical stabilization of the forearm fracture using ESIN is recommended in children and adolescents.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV, Therapeutic study.

Retrograde Fixation of the Ulna in Pediatric Forearm Fractures Treated With Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing

Introduction

This study analyzes the outcomes of retrograde fixation of the ulna in pediatric forearm fractures treated with elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN).

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted by reviewing patient records of forearm fractures treated with ESIN by retrograde fixation. The study included 30 children (26 boys and 4 girls). The mean age at the time of injury was 11.7 years (range: 6.6 to 14.3 years). The technique is described. All patients were followed up until hardware removal.

Results

The mean time for fracture healing was 5.3 weeks (range: 4 to 8.8 weeks). The mean time for nail removal was 6.6 months (range: 5 to 10 months). There were five cases with rotation deficits, one of which was a re-fracture.

Conclusions

When antegrade nailing is performed, the ulna is sometimes complicated by non-union as well as entry point irritation. We did not encounter such complications. Retrograde fixation of the ulna in pediatric forearm fractures treated with ESIN is a safe and effective alternative to common fixation (antegrade ulnar fixation) and offers technical advantages.

A novel hybrid fixation versus dual plating for both-bone forearm fractures in older children: A prospective comparative study

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the present study was to compare the clinical outcomes of hybrid fixation using elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) for the ulna and plate screw fixation for the radius (Hybrid group) with dual plating fixation for both-bone forearm fractures in children between 10 and 16 years of age.

METHODS

Twenty-six patients were treated using a hybrid fixation struct and 30 patients were treated with dual plating fixation. The two groups were compared prospectively according to perioperative data and patient outcome measures.

RESULT

The hybrid fixation construct group had 26 patients, with a mean age of 13.27 years (range, 10-16 years) and the dual plate group had 30 patients, with a mean age of 13.33 years (range, 10-16 years). The groups were similar for sex, arm injured, fracture location. Incision length of ulna, duration of surgery and hospital costs were significantly different between the two groups (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in either time to union or Price scores for function evaluation between the 2 groups (P < 0.05). Complication rates were also similar between the groups.

CONCLUSION

Hybrid fixation, using open reduction and internal fixation with a plate-and-screw construct on the radius and closed reduction and elastic intramedullary fixation of the ulna, is an acceptable method for treating both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in skeletally immature patients 10-16 years old. The small incision and less cost are the characteristics of this hybrid fixation.

Atypical use of pediatric flexible nails in the treatment of diaphyseal fractures in adults

Background and aim of the work:

Elastic intramedullary nails are commonly used for the treatment of diaphyseal fractures in adolescents and children. The major advantages are the minimally invasive nature of the technique, the short operation time, and the preservation of the growth plate and periosteum thus allowing bone healing within a closed and intact biological environment. Elastic nails are rarely applied to the adult fractures.

Methods:

Five selected adult patients affected by diaphyseal fractures were treated using paediatric flexible nails T2 Kids (Stryker®, Mahwah, NJ, USA) as consequence of their poor clinical conditions, high risk of neurovascular injuries and skin/soft tissues problems. All patients were monthly clinically and radiographically evaluated after surgery until fracture healing.

Results:

Radiological and clinical outcomes were satisfying. All fractures healed after a mean period of 3 months. No losses of reduction as well as mobilization/breakage of implant were observed. Conclusions: Use of pediatric elastic nails is a valid surgical option in treatment of diaphyseal fractures in selected adult patients who request fast and minimally invasive surgery as consequence of precarious clinical or soft tissues conditions. (www.actabiomedica.it)

Surgical approach for elastic stable intramedullary nail in pediatric radius shaft fracture: a systematic review

When using elastic stable intramedullary nailing in children's distal radius shaft fractures, the surgical approach can either be lateral or dorsal. The aim of this article was to carry out a systematic review of the literature comparing the two types of approaches in terms of complications. An electronic search of databases was performed. Titles of articles were screened, and abstracts and full text were read. Data were extracted in terms of demographics and complications. The dorsal approach had a 2.6% rate of extensor pollicis longus tendon rupture, whereas the lateral approach had a 2.9% rate of transient superficial radial nerve palsy and 0.3% rate of permanent damage. These complications should be considered when deciding between the two surgical approaches.

[A comparative study of titanium elastic intramedullary nail internal fixation and bone plate internal fixation in the treatment of adult Galeazzi fracture]

Objective

To explore the effectiveness difference between titanium elastic intramedullary nail internal fixation and bone plate internal fixation in the treatment of adult Galeazzi fracture.

Methods

Ninety-seven patients of Galeazzi fracture according with the selection criteria were divided into 2 groups by prospective cohort study, who were admitted between January 2012 and November 2015. In the patients, 59 were treated with open reduction and bone plate internal fixation (plate group), and 38 with titanium elastic intramedullary nail internal fixation (minimally invasive group). There was no significant difference in the gender, age, cause of injury, fracture site, type of fracture, and time from injury to operation between 2 groups ( P>0.05). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time, and complications were recorded and compared between 2 groups, and the forearm function was evaluated by Anderson score.

Results

All the patients were followed up 12-23 months (mean, 17 months). The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time of minimally invasive group were significantly less than those in plate group ( P<0.05). There were 1 case of fracture nonunion, 1 case of wound infection in plate group, and 1 case of nail tail slight infection in minimally invasive group, which were all cured after the corresponding treatment. The remaining patients had good fracture healing, and no vascular injury, internal fixation failure, deep infection, or other complications occurred. According to Anderson score at 12 months after operation, the forearm function results were excellent in 46 cases, good in 12 cases, and poor in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 98.3% in plate group; and the results were excellent in 26 cases, good in 11 cases, and poor in 1 case, with an excellent and good rate of 97.4% in minimally invasive group; showing no significant difference ( χ2=0.10, P=0.75).

Conclusion

Minimally invasive fixation with titanium elastic nail has such advantages as small damage, quick recovery, no skin scarring, etc. As long as the correct indication is selected, minimally invasive titanium intramedullary nail internal fixation of Galeazzi fractures can also get good effectiveness.

The titanium elastic nail serves as an alternative treatment for adult proximal radial shaft fractures: a cohort study

Background

To investigate whether closed reduction and internal fixation (CRIF) with titanium elastic nails (TENs) is a viable alternative treatment in proximal radial fractures.

Methods

In Kaohsiung Veterans General Hospital, from November 2013 to April 2015, five adult male patients with forearm injuries (average age 43 years; range 35–64 years) were treated for proximal radial shaft fractures. CRIF with TENs for radial shaft fractures was performed in these five patients. Radiographs; range of motions; visual analog scale (VAS); quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder, and hand (Quick DASH) questionnaire; and time to union were evaluated in our study.

Results

Mean follow-up period was 30 months (range 28–36 months). Average time of radius union was 7.3 months (range 6–10 months). Functional outcomes 1 year after operation revealed an average Quick DASH score of 7.92 (range 4.5–25), an average VAS of 1.5 (range 1–3), and average forearm supination and pronation of 69.2° (range 45°–75°) and 82.5° (range 80°–85°). No major complication was noted.

Conclusions

CRIF with TEN for adult proximal radial fractures is a method to avoid extensive exposure or nerve injury during ORIF, especially in multiple trauma patients who require short operative time, uremia patients with ipsilateral forearm AV shunt, severe soft tissue swelling due to direct muscle contusion or strong muscularity before surgery, extensive radial fracture, and those in pursuit of cosmetic outcomes.

Low complication rate of elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) of pediatric forearm fractures: A retrospective study of 202 cases

Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) has been established as state of the art treatment for forearm fractures in children, if operative stabilization is required. Their use has been expanded to single bone shaft fractures, and also more complex injuries such as Monteggia fractures or Monteggia-like lesions. A wide range of complications has been reported in the literature, up to 70% in certain investigations. The purpose of this study was to assess the complication rate after ESIN treatment of forearm fractures in children and adolescents in a representative cohort of patients from a level 1 trauma center in Germany.Between 2000 and 2015, we retrospectively analyzed all patients, up to the age of 16 years, with forearm fractures, who were operatively treated using ESIN in our department of general and trauma surgery. The main outcome measurements were the rates of postoperative complications after ESIN such as re-fracture, malunion, nonunion, tendon lesion, wound infection, and limited range of motion.In all, 201 consecutive patients with 202 forearm fractures were included in this study. Age averaged 9.7 years (range 3-16 years). Fifteen (7.4%) fractures were open. Fractures were 82.2% diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures. Follow-up averaged 10.2 months (range 0.7-176.3 months). Complications were 10 re-fractures, 2 malunions, 3 extensor pollicis longus tendon ruptures, 1 superficial wound infection, and 2 limited range of motions. Fourteen (6.9%) children required a secondary operative intervention for their complication. Time to implant removal averaged 3.8 months (range 0.4-16.3 months).Elastic stable intramedullary nailing is a minimally invasive and reliable technique with a low complication rate. Both-bone forearm fractures and single bone fractures, and also Monteggia and Monteggia-equivalent fractures can be successfully treated with this method. As a major complication, re-fractures are frequently seen, even with ESIN in situ.

Comparison of Hybrid Fixation to Dual Plating for Both-Bone Forearm Fractures in Older Children

When operative stabilization of forearm fractures in older children is necessary, the optimal method of fixation is controversial. This study compared the radiographic and functional outcomes of dual plating to a hybrid fixation construct with elastic intramedullary nailing of the radius and plate fixation of the ulna of forearm fractures in children aged between 10 and 16 years. Nineteen patients were treated using a hybrid fixation construct and 13 patients were treated with dual plating fixation. The 2 groups were compared retrospectively according to perioperative data and patient outcome measures. The hybrid fixation construct group had 19, with a mean age of 13.3 years (range, 10-16 years) and the dual plate group had 13 patients, with a mean age of 12.9 years (range, 10-16 years). Groups were similar for sex, arm injured, and fracture location. Duration of surgery and tourniquet use was significantly shorter in the hybrid fixation construct group. There was no significant difference in either time to union or Price scores for function evaluation between the 2 groups. Complication rates were also similar between groups, with 1 ulna delayed unions, 1 superficial infection at entry of nail in hybrid fixation construct group, and 1 ulna delayed unions in the dual plating group. Hybrid fixation, using open reduction and internal fixation with a plate-and-screw construct on the ulna and closed reduction and elastic intramedullary fixation of the ulna, is an acceptable method for treating both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in skeletally immature patients aged 10-16 years.

Rereduction for Redisplacement of Both-Bone Forearm Shaft Fractures in Children

BACKGROUND

There is a high rate of redisplacement after closed reduction and cast treatment of displaced both-bone forearm shaft fractures in children. Little evidence is available on the efficacy of rereduction of these redisplaced fractures. This study evaluates the impact of rereduction on radiographic outcomes and compares the cost to surgical stabilization.

METHODS

This retrospective study included 31 children (mean age, 6.3 y; 18 boys) treated with rereduction for redisplacement of a displaced both-bone forearm shaft fracture between 2008 and 2013. Angulation was measured on anteroposterior and lateral radiographs of the radius and ulna at injury, after reduction, at redisplacement, after rereduction, and at fracture union. Average procedure costs for rereduction and surgical stabilization were calculated.

RESULTS

Initial reduction decreased apex volar angulation (initially >20 degrees) of both bones to a median of ≤2 degrees. After an average of 15 days (range, 4 to 35 d), apex volar angulation of the radius worsened to 9 degrees, and apex ulnar angulation worsened to >10 degrees for both bones. For every 5 days after initial reduction, apex ulnar angulation of the radius worsened by 4 degrees. Rereduction reduced apex ulnar and volar angulation of both bones to <5 degrees, which was maintained after cast removal. There were no complications. The average procedure cost for rereduction was $2056 compared with $4589 for surgical stabilization with or without implant removal.

CONCLUSION

Rereduction of both-bone forearm shaft fractures after redisplacement following initial closed reduction had satisfactory radiographic outcomes and is a safe, effective, and less expensive option than surgical stabilization.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level IV-therapeutic.

Medical thermography (digital infrared thermal imaging - DITI) in paediatric forearm fractures - A pilot study

Trauma is the most common cause of hospitalisation in children, and forearm fractures comprise 35% of all paediatric fractures. One-third of forearm fractures are distal forearm fractures, which are the most common fractures in the paediatric population. This type of fracture represents an everyday problem for the paediatric surgeon. The three phases of fracture healing in paediatric trauma are associated with skin temperature changes that can be measured and then compared with standard plain radiographs of visible callus formation, and eventually these methods can be used in everyday practice. Thermographic assessment of temperature distribution within the examined tissues enables a quick, non-contact, non-invasive measurement of their temperature. Medical thermography is used as a screening method in other parts of medicine, but the use of this method in traumatology has still not been researched.

The shaft fractures of the radius and ulna in children: current concepts

The incidence of forearm shaft fractures in children has increased in recent years. They are challenging to treat and they can result in several long-lasting complications. The treatment of children's fractures needs to be individualized to their needs. Nonoperative care will be satisfactory for young, preschool children and it is primarily treatment in stable fractures of children at every age. Injury mechanism must be understood to perform appropriate closed reduction. Immobilization using a long-arm cast needs to be focused against the deforming muscle forces - in particular those that rotate - in the forearm, keeping the bones in alignment until bone healing. Operative stabilization by elastic stable intramedullary nailing is the primarily method of treatment in cases of unstable fractures, in particular, in children between preschool age and adolescence. For older children near to skeletal maturity, a rigid plate and screw fixation will be justified. The most common complication after closed treatment is worsening of the alignment and need for repetitive interventions. elastic stable intramedullary nailing results usually in good outcome, and range of forearm rotation is the main feature determining the clinical result. In this article, we report the current concept of paediatric shaft fractures in the radius and ulna.

Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing for Fractures in Children - Specific Applications

Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) is a new minimally invasive technique for the treatment of pediatric fractures. It approximates the physiological healing process of bone, without opening the fracture site. Also, the operative stress is minimal because of the minimally invasive nature of the procedure, and the volume of implants is small, offering a very good stability without plaster cast immobilization.