J Korean Fract Soc.  2007 Apr;20(2):190-195. 10.12671/jkfs.2007.20.2.190.

Pediatric Forearm Bone Fractures Treated with Flexible Intramedullary Nail

• Choo SK
• Kim JH
• Oh HK
• Kim DH

• KMID: 2295579
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2007.20.2.190

Abstract

PURPOSE
To determine the usefulness of flexible intramedullary fixation in pediatric forearm diaphyseal fractures.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
We reviewed 22 cases of forearm diaphyseal fractures treated with flexible intramedullary nail and K-wire. The radiographic assessment was based on the time to union, maintenance of reduction and angular deformity. The functional outcome was assessed with the range of motion and complications at last follow up.
RESULTS
Average length of follow up was 13.9 months with mean age of 10.8 years and the time to union was 5.2 weeks. There were no angular deformity and fuctional results were excellent in all cases. There were 5 cases of soft tissue irritation of nail insertion site as post operative complication which was resolved after nail removal.
CONCLUSION
Flexible intramedullary for pediatric forearm bone fractures is an effective and safe method which gives a good functional outcome.

Keyword

Pediatric forearm bone fracture; Intramedullary fixation

MeSH Terms

Congenital Abnormalities
Follow-Up Studies
Forearm*
Fractures, Bone*
Methods
Range of Motion, Articular

Figure

• 

  Fig. 1 (A) 12-year old male sustain a displaced diaphyseal forearm fracture. (B) Flexible intramedullary nailing is done with satisfactory union and alignment.

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  Fig. 2 (A-1) 9-years old male with both forearm bone fracture is treated by closed reduction and casting. (A-2) Refracture is occured at the initial fracture site by slip down. (B) AP and lateral radiographs show a good alignment after flexible intramedullary nailing.

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  Fig. 3 (A) 13-years old female is treated with long arm casting for 2 months The radiographs show malalignment and displacement of forearm bones in the cast due to loss of reduction. (B) Closed reduction and internal fixation with flexible intramedullary nailing is done with satisfactory alignment.

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