Pediatric Forearm Fractures

Abstract

Unstable forearm both bones fracture in children more than 10 years of age aredifficult to manage with cast and surgical intervention is required. Objectives: To determine thefunctional outcome of patients with unstable forearm fractures managed with intramedullaryrush nail. Methods: This study was conducted at Department of Orthopedics, Civil HospitalKarachi from July 2011 to August 2013. All the patients with age in between 10 to 15 years, withclose radius ulna unstable fracture presenting within 7 days of trauma or fall were included inthe study. All the fractures were stabilized with intramedullary rush nails. Functional outcomewas assessed at 12 weeks. Results: There were 79 patients included in the study. Mean agewas 13.17±2 years. There were 52 male patients (65.8%) and 27 females (34.2%). There were24 patients with history of road traffic accident, 29 patients with fall and 26 patients with bluntinjury. Acceptable outcome was found in 64 (81%) patients and observed more in male children(p=0.001) and children above 13 years of age (p=0.027). Union was achieved in all the patients.Six patients had pin site irritation and 2 had superficial infection. Conclusions: Intramedullaryfixation with rush nail in unstable forearm fractures in the children appeared to be an effectivemethod of fixation and provided acceptable outcome in 64 (81%) patients.