Outcomes of displaced mid-shaft radius/ulna fractures in children treated with the Rang method: a pilot study.

Abstract

Pediatric forearm fractures of the radius and ulna are common. Previous literature suggests that conservatively managed mid-shaft radius and ulna forearm fractures have a remanipulation rate of 10-70%. The purpose of this study is to compare the re-displacement rate of closed displaced mid-shaft both-bone forearm fractures (BBFF) in children treated with closed reduction and casting with a loop and sling applied proximal to the fracture site (Rang method) compared with a standard sling. A retrospective review was performed of 42 patients under the age of 14 with BBFF treated over a 4-year period. The average patient age was 7 years. Data analyzed included demographics, mechanism of injury, presence of a pulse, presence of nerve injury, incidence of compartment syndrome, sling type, loss of reduction, remanipulation, and need for surgical fixation. Loss of reduction was defined as a final number of >15° angulation if age <10 years old and >10° angulation if >10 years old. Fifteen patients (36%) were treated with the Rang method. Twenty-seven patients (64%) were given a standard sling. Only one patient (7%) managed with the Rang method lost reduction, whereas 17/27 patients (63%) given a regular sling lost reduction and required remanipulation ( P  = 0.0004). Treatment of a BBFF in a child aged <14 years typically involves closed reduction and casting. The 'Rang' method of placing a loop and attached sling proximal to the fracture site is a casting pearl that helps to minimize fracture redisplacement.