ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study is to report the long-term results of transphyseal Kirschner (K) wire fixation through the distal physis of ulna in distal fractures of forearm in pediatrics and to determine the safety of this procedure. DESIGN: We performed the study retrospectively. SETTING: All of the patient was treated operatively in the level 2 trauma center. PATIENTS: The medical records and radiographs of 44 pediatric patients who had the distal fractures of forearm retrospectively reviewed. INTERVENTION: After fixation of the radius percutaneously, retrograde percutaneous K-wire fixation through the distal physis of ulna was performed. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENT: At final follow-up, the clinical results according to the system described by Price et al were graded and the range of motion of forearm and wrist was compared with contralateral normal arm. Radiologically, the length discrepancy of ulna and ulnar variance for analysis of premature physis closure was measured. RESULTS: The clinical results were excellent in 31 patients, good in 12, and fair in 1. There was no significant difference in the range of motion of forearm and wrist between arms. Radiologically, there was no evidence of physis closure in all patients. CONCLUSIONS: Retrograde percutaneous transphyseal K-wire fixation through the distal physis of ulna in pediatrics is a minimally invasive and technically easy treatment option.
