Salter-Harris II forearm fracture reduction and fixation using a buttress plate

Abstract

Distal radius fractures are common injuries in children. Those that affect the growth plate (physis) need to be managed carefully as inadequate management may lead to long-term deformity and a reduction in function. However, different management strategies all have drawbacks and controversy exists over how best to manage these cases. This is the case of a 13-year-old girl who presented with a Salter Harris II fracture, which was managed using a novel approach of utilising a T plate in a buttress mode to stabilise the fracture after anatomical reduction. This provided effective fracture fixation and should allow good bone healing without causing any iatrogenic growth plate damage and without fixing a plate across the physis, which may need removal in the future.

Fratura da diáfise de úmero associada a luxação de cotovelo e fratura do terço distal do antebraço: relato de caso

“…On the other hand, radial distal third fractures are common in children. 3 They are significant when there is involvement of the growth plate and require caution during management to prevent a reduction in the range of motion, as well as permanent deformities.…”

“…Já as fraturas do terço distal do rádio são comuns em crianças, 3 são importantes quando acometem a placa de crescimento e requerem um cuidado no manejo, a fim de evitar redução do arco de movimento (ADM) e deformidades permanentes.…”

Plate Fixation for Unstable Displaced Distal Radius Fractures in Children

“…To the best of our knowledge, only one case study is available that describes volar plate fixation for a displaced distal radius fracture in a 13-year-old child. 14 The purpose of this study is to present a cohort of pediatric patients treated by volar plate fixation for unstable displaced distal radius fractures. Primary objective was patient-related outcome determined by the Patient-Rated Wrist Evaluation (PRWE) after at least 12 months of follow-up.…”