Displaced diaphyseal forearm fractures in children: classification and evaluation of the early radiographic prognosis

Mini-C-arm fluoroscopy for emergency-department reduction of pediatric forearm fractures

BACKGROUND

Reduction of pediatric forearm fractures with the patient under sedation in the emergency department is a common practice throughout the United States. We hypothesized that the use of a mini-c-arm fluoroscopy device as an alternative to routine radiographs for evaluation of fracture reduction would (1) allow a more anatomic fracture reduction, (2) decrease the number of repeat reductions or subsequent procedures, (3) reduce overall radiation exposure to the patient, and (4) decrease the orthopaedic consultation time in the emergency department.

METHODS

A retrospective cohort analysis of 279 displaced forearm and wrist fractures treated with closed reduction and casting with the patient under sedation in the emergency department of a level-I pediatric trauma center was performed, and the data were compared with historical controls. One hundred and thirteen fracture reductions were assessed with a mini-c-arm device, and 166 fracture reductions were evaluated with radiographs. All patients had radiographs of the injury. Blinded, independent reviewers graded the quality of reduction for residual angulation and translation of the reduced fracture. Radiation exposure was determined by the average number of radiographs made through either modality. Emergency department and outpatient charts were reviewed to determine the total orthopaedic consultation time and the need for repeat reductions or operative intervention.

RESULTS

Pediatric forearm fractures undergoing closed reduction with assistance of the mini c-arm had a significant improvement in reduction quality (average angulation [and standard deviation], 6° ± 4° vs. 8 ± 6°; p = 0.02), a decrease in repeat fracture reduction and need for subsequent operative treatment (two [2%] of 113 fractures vs. fourteen [8.4%] of 166 fractures; p = 0.0001), and a decrease in radiation exposure to the patient (mean, 14.0 ± 10.3 mrem vs. 50.0 ± 12.7 mrem). The average orthopaedic consultation time was decreased with use of a mini c-arm (28 ± 12 min vs. 47 ± 19 min, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Use of the mini c-arm to assist in the closed reduction of pediatric forearm and wrist fractures in the emergency department can improve the quality of the reduction, decrease the radiation exposure to the patient, and decrease the need for repeat fracture reduction or additional procedures. Mini-c-arm imaging can also decrease the average orthopaedic consultation time for fracture reduction.

Complications and outcomes of open pediatric forearm fractures

Few reports have documented the complications and outcomes of open pediatric forearm fractures. The authors completed of all patients (1987-1999) with open forearm fractures. Sixty-five patients with 65 injured extremities were identified, with an average age of 10.3 years. Fifty-two open fractures were grade I, 12 were grade II, and 1 was grade IIIA. Implants stabilized 40 extremities (62%), which improved alignment but not outcome. Forearms initially stabilized with implants did not undergo additional realignment procedures (0%), compared with 18.5% of forearms without stabilization. Eleven patients (16.9%) experienced complications. Overall, 47 (72%) were classified as having excellent results, 11 (17%) as good, and 7 (11%) as fair. Open pediatric forearm fractures have a high percentage of excellent and good outcomes. Early, thorough surgical débridement produces a low frequency of deep infections, and bony stabilization can be a safe technique, permitting more anatomic alignment and preventing the need for reoperation due to malalignment.

Computer simulation of forearm rotation in angular deformities: a new therapeutic approach

A new computer-assisted simulation of forearm rotation based on orthogonal radiographs of the forearm is introduced. A new computer program called STOOPS was developed based on a new kinematic model describing motion of the radius and ulna in regards to forearm rotation. The computer program allows simulation of angular deformities of the forearm and can predict subsequent rotational impairment. To validate the program, the authors compared the actual pronation of 21 patients with angular deformities with the predicted pronation by STOOPS. The mean difference between the simulated and clinically measured pronation was 5.6 degrees (S.D. 9.4 degrees ). There was no statistically significant difference between the measured and simulated values. Using the computer-assisted simulation may help predict impairment of pronation due to angular deformities. If clinical impairment differs from the computed one, other causes such as lesions to the interosseous membrane or the adjacent joints have to be excluded. If values are similar, correction of the angular deformities should result in improvement of forearm pronation.

Forearm and distal radius fractures in children

Pediatric forearm and distal radius fractures are common injuries. Resultant deformities are usually a product of indirect trauma involving angular loading combined with rotational displacement. Fractures are classified by location, completeness, angular and rotational deformity, and fragment displacement. Successful outcomes are based on restoration of adequate pronation and supination and, to a lesser degree, acceptable cosmesis. When several important concepts are kept in mind, these goals are usually met with conservative treatment by reduction and immobilization. Greenstick fractures are reduced by rotating the forearm such that the palm is directed toward the fracture apex. Complete fractures are manipulated and reduced with traction and rotation; extremities are then immobilized in well-molded plaster casts until healing, which usually takes about 6 weeks. Radiographs should be obtained between 1 and 2 weeks after initial reduction to detect early angulation. In fractures in any level in children less than 9 years of age, complete displacement, 15 degrees of angulation, and 45 degrees of malrotation are acceptable. In children 9 years of age or older, 30 degrees of malrotation is acceptable, with 10 degrees of angulation for proximal fractures and 15 degrees for more distal fractures. Complete bayonet apposition is acceptable, especially for distal radius fractures, as long as angulation does not exceed 20 degrees and 2 years of growth remains. Operative intervention is used when the fracture is open and when acceptable alignment cannot be achieved or maintained. Single-bone intramedullary fixation has proven useful.