Cast revision is effective for critical three-point index values in paediatric forearm fractures: a prospective study

Is three-point index reliable in the follow-up of the distal radius metaphys fractures in the pediatric age group?

Three-point index (TPI), which can be used in the follow-up of conservative treatment, is an important indicator and reveals objective results about the fracture redisplacement. The hypothesis of the current study was that an initial TPI value of 0.6-0.8 may also be dangerous as it has the potential to exceed over 0.8 before a sufficient consolidation occurs and a prompt revision of the cast may prevent an upcoming displacement. This prospective controlled study 84 patients between 4 and 16 years of age, with radius distal metaphyseal fractures with more than 30% displacement or more than 15° initial angulation, were included. All of the patients in the groups had no redisplacement at 5-7 days and had TPI between 0.6 and 0.8. The patients who had cast replacement and adjusted TPI below 0.6 were included Group 1. The patients who had no cast replacement were included in Group 2. Redisplacement was observed in 8 of 38 (21%) patients in the Group 1 and in 27 of 46 (58%) patients in the Group 2 ( P value 0.001). Redisplacement with cast revision was 2.8 times less ( P  < 0.005). The first reduction quality, fracture obliquity, renewed TPI values were found to be statistically significant for the prediction of redisplacement ( P  < 0.005). We recommend that the follow-up of the TPI is an important predictive factor in the conservative treatment of pediatric metaphyseal radius fractures. TPI may be renewed for protection of the fracture reduction when calculated in the gray zone which is 0.6-0.08.