Displaced Diaphyseal Forearm Fractures in Children

In a retrospective study of 70 children with 73 diaphyseal forearm fractures, we measured the radiographic angulation and sideways displacement initially, after reduction, at 1 week and at union. Statistical analysis was performed with a multivariate log linear regression model to evaluate the correlation between variables. We showed that the initial displacement of the fracture and the age of the patient had only a minor influence on the position at union. We constructed a classification system using the measurements initially, after reduction, and at 1 week and showed that the prognostic value of the classification system could be improved during the period of treatment. We recommend that all displaced diaphyseal forearm fractures in children should be radiographed after 1 week and after 2 weeks.