The Application of Open Intramedullary Fixation in the Treatment of Pediatric Radial and Ulnar Shaft Fractures

OBJECTIVES: This retrospective review evaluates the efficiency of standard intramedullary Kirschner wires for the treatment of unstable diaphyseal forearm fractures in children. DESIGN: Retrospective review. SETTING: Large teaching and research hospital in Turkey. PATIENTS: Thirty-one patients with diaphyseal forearm fractures were treated by surgical method between 1988 and 1998. The mean age was 12.3 years (range 7 to 17 years). The mean follow-up period was 4.2 years (1 to 6.2 years). INTERVENTION: The method of treatment of each forearm fracture was open reduction and intramedullary Kirschner wire fixation using a mini-incision. MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS: Fracture union, growth disturbance of the forearm, and complications were evaluated. RESULTS: Union was obtained in all cases except two (6.4 percent). No forearm inequality was observed. CONCLUSIONS: Intramedullary fixation is a useful technique for unstable shaft fractures of the forearm in children that can not be treated by closed manipulation.