Dorsally angulated solitary metaphyseal greenstick fractures in the distal radius: results after immobilization in pronated, neutral, and supinated position.

Abstract

In a prospective study, angular redisplacement has been correlated with immobilization in the pronated, neutral, or supinated position (20 children in each group). Those with greater than 20 degrees of dorsal angulation at day 1 and after 2 weeks were manipulated. Dorsal angulation after immobilization at day 1, 2 weeks, and 6 weeks was measured on accurate lateral views. Angular displacement during the first two weeks was (a) greater among reduced than unreduced cases in the pronation group (p less than 0.001), and (b) less in the supination group than in the other groups (p less than 0.05). Based on these findings, we believe that the fracture should be immobilized in the supinated position.