Flexible Intramedullary Nailing of Forearm Fractures at the Distal Metadiaphyseal Junction in Adolescents

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze the radiographic and functional outcomes of flexible intramedullary (IM) nailing in adolescent patients with forearm fractures at the diaphysis or at the metadiaphyseal junction (MDJ). METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed the results of 40 patients who underwent IM nailing for pediatric forearm fractures. Thirty males and 10 females were followed for an average of 16 months (range, 12 to 20 months). Their average age was 11 years (range, 10 to 16 years). The average duration from the onset of trauma to surgery was 3.8 days (range, 1 to 36 days). Fracture sites were located at the MDJ of the radius in 8 patients (MDJ group) while 32 patients had middle-third fractures (D group). We assessed the magnitude and location of the maximum radial bow and range of movements. Functional outcomes were evaluated using Daruwalla criteria. RESULTS: Open reduction was carried out in 8 cases. Union was achieved at an average of 8.3 weeks postoperatively. The results were classified as good in 38 and excellent in 2 according to Daruwalla criteria with restoration of forearm rotation. The mean angulation at the last follow-up was 1.8° on the anteroposterior radiograph and 3.3° on the lateral radiograph (MDJ group: 1.8° and 2.1°, respectively; D group: 1.9° and 2.8°, respectively). There was no significant difference in the mean angulation between the groups. The mean magnitude of maximal radial bow was 5.7% ± 1.8% (MDJ group, 5.2% ± 0.8%; D group, 5.9% ± 1.9%). The mean location of maximal radial bow was 58.0% ± 8.8% (MDJ group, 56.4% ± 8.9%; D group, 58.6% ± 8.9%). The differences in the mean magnitude and location of maximal radial bow with the normal contralateral arms (7.0% ± 1.2% and 50.9% ± 6.0%, respectively) were not significantly different between the groups. Complications included superficial infection (2), delayed union (1), and refracture (1). CONCLUSIONS: IM nail fixation provided satisfactory results and maintained adequate stability for both forearm bone fractures in adolescents, even though the fracture was located at the MDJ of the radius.

Treatment of a Segmental Ulnar Shaft Fracture and an Olecranon Fracture / 대한정형외과학회잡지

We would like to report a case of treating a segmental fracture of ulnar shaft, with a concomitant olecranon fracture. The patient was treated using tension band wiring and intramedullary nailing procedures. Based on the nature of the olecranon, we believe this should be a recommended treatment method that minimizes complications for the patient that has multiple fractures and a dislocation of the forearm.

Titanium elastic nail treatment for distal 1/3 fractures of radius and ulna in children / 中国矫形外科杂志

[Objective]To investigate the method of distal fractures of radius and ulna in children treated with minimal invasive technique.[Method] From 2003 to 2005,titanium elastic nail using descending technique was carried out on 15 children.The mean age was 7.4 years,all of them had been followed up from 4 month to 2 years.[Result]One case had cortex perforation,1 case had soft-tissue irritation at nail insertion.All patients were pain-free,without limitations in activities for daily life after treatment.[Conclusion] Using minimal invasive descending technique,tianium elastic nail is appropriate therapy for distal 1/3 fractures of radius and ulna in children.

The Result of Compression-Plate Fixation in Forearm Fractures / 대한정형외과학회잡지

We meet much difficult problem to solve in the treatment of the forearm fractures which are not encountered in the treatment of fractures of the other long bone and there are many reports on the results of treatment of forearm fractures and many methods have been introduced. In the late 1950's ASIF compression plate was invented and developed by Muller, Allgower, and Willenegger and it has shown excellent union rate and functional results in the treatment of forearm fractures. From Jan. 1971 to Dec. 1979, we have experienced 71 cases of fresh or old forearm fractures treated by different methods and devices and among them, 53 patients, those were treated with compression plate and other various internal fixation devices, were possible to trace for more than 3 months. The Author divided the traceable patients into two groups, the one was the group treated with compression plate and the othtr one was the group treated with other various internal fixations, and compared the results in the aspect of healing time and functional results. The results were as follows; 1. Among 71 patients, 45 patients (36.6%) were fresh and 26 were old cases. Of 61 adult patients 21 cases (34.4%) exhibited severe soft tissue injury due to crushing machinary injury. 2. There was 24 (33.8%) cases of open fractures and the most common fracture site was middle one-third of both radius and ulna. 3. The period between operation and exercise was 7.3 weeks in fresh cases which were treated with compression-plate fixation and 10.3 weeks in old cases with other fixation devices. 4. The time of radlological union was comparatively rapid in compression-plate fixation group, acute cases and radial fractures when compared it with those treated with other fixation devices, old cases and ulnar fractures, respectively. Radiological union time in average was as follows; Radius, compression-plate fixation: 12.1 weeks ulna, compression-plate fixation: 12.4 weeks redius, other fixation devices 14.9 weeks ulna, other fixation devices 15.5 weeks 5. By Anderson's functional criteria, the ratio of excellent or good results was as follows, Acute compression-plate fixation: 87% Acute, other fixation devices 67% Old, Compression-plate flxation: 67% Old, Other fixation devices 23% 6. Achieved bony union in all cases in compression-plate fixation group and experienced 3 cases of non-union in the group treated with other fixation devices. Among 3, two cases of non-union were due to post-operative infection and technical failure and the other one was a solitary ulnar fracture which was treated with rush pin.