Operative Fixation of Pediatric Forearm Fractures: Does the Fracture Location Matter?

Background. Flexible intramedullary nails (FNs) are successfully used to treat pediatric forearm fractures, especially midshaft fractures. Distal forearm fractures have been described as “difficult to manage” with FN insertion. The purpose of this study was to report the clinical and radiographic outcomes of using flexible nails in pediatric forearm fractures and the impact of fracture location on the outcome of the procedure. Methods. This is a retrospective review of pediatric patients who presented with forearm fractures that were surgically treated with flexible nails between 2009 and 2018. Patient demographics, fracture location, and classification were reported. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were reported. The primary outcomes were fracture radiographic union, intraop and postop complications, and the need for additional surgical procedures. Results. Fifty-nine patients were included, with a mean age of 11 years. All fractures healed with patients regaining full range of motion. The authors were able to use flexible nails successfully in 48/59 (81%) patients. In eleven cases (19%), FN fixation was not able to provide adequate fixation to maintain reduction. The method of fixation was changed from FN insertion to another method in nine cases. In two cases, FN fixation was augmented with another fixation method. Fractures within 3 inches of the distal articular surface were at a higher risk of intraoperative change/augmentation of the fixation method (29%) compared with fractures that occurred more than 3 inches from the distal articular surface (11%). Conclusion. The majority of pediatric forearm fractures can be treated successfully with flexible nails. Surgeons involved in treating these fractures should pay attention to distal third fractures. Stabilizing the distally located fractures using FN fixation can be challenging. Surgeons should be prepared to use an alternative fixation method when needed.

Paediatric forearm refractures- management and outcome: a prospective study

<p class="abstract"><strong>Background:</strong> Forearm fractures are one of the commonest injuries accounting for 40% of paediatric fractures with a refracture rate of nearly 5%. Forearm refractures are increasing probably due to poor bone mineralization as a result of decreased physical activity, Vitamin D deficiency. These are treated by conservative measures with closed reduction and casting or by surgical fixation with flexible nails or plates. There are no definitive guidelines for management of forearm refracture and implant removal.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Methods:</strong> The study is aimed at the epidemiology, methods and difficulties of management and functional outcome of forearm refracture treatment. A prospective study of all the cases of forearm refracture who presented to our institution from 2010 to 2016 with refractures treated either by conservative methods or by IMN. All cases were followed up for 2 years and functional outcome was assessed serially according to price et-al criteria.<strong></strong></p><p class="abstract"><strong>Results:</strong> Our study contained 17 males and 8 females between 6 years and 14 years. 76% refractures occurred before 16 weeks and majority had only tricortical union at this time. 42% patients underwent surgical fixation following refracture. Price et al criteria showed excellent results in 72% of patients.</p><p class="abstract"><strong>Conclusions:</strong> Forearm refractures in children can be treated both conservatively and surgically like a primary fracture depending on the indications but needs 2 to 3 more weeks of immobilization. A good functional outcome was obtained in majority of the cases. We suggest using splints till quadricortical union is achieved to prevent chances of refracture.</p>

Dimensions of the paediatric femur: anatomical limitations of flexible intramedullary nailing

Purpose Although spica casting remains the benchmark for treating diaphyseal femur fractures in preschool children, some authors advocate using flexible intramedullary nails in certain situations. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the anatomic feasibility of flexible nailing in young children. Methods Consecutive patients between the ages of zero and ten years with normal femurs who received femur radiographs at a tertiary paediatric hospital over a two-year period were included. Anteroposterior femur radiographs were evaluated for length and isthmus width measurements. Each femur was templated for flexible nail size. The proportions of each age group capable of accommodating two flexible nails up to 4.0 mm in size were determined and compared. Results A total of 381 full-length femur radiographs were reviewed. There was a strong, direct linear relationship between age and femoral length (R2 = 0.896) and a moderate correlation between age and femoral isthmus width (R2 = 0.417). Although the percentage of femurs able to accommodate flexible nails continued to increase with age, this increase did not represent a significant difference when comparing preschool-aged children with older age groups. Conclusions Age and femoral length demonstrated a strong, positive correlation while age and isthmus width had weaker correlation. The ability of femurs to accommodate flexible nails increased with age with most children age two years and older able to accommodate two flexible nails of at least 2.5 mm in size. Level of Evidence III