Single-bone fixation of both-bone forearm fractures.

Abstract

Seventeen children with diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures, for which closed reduction had failed, were treated with fixation of either the radius or ulna. Sixteen were followed up to their clinical end point. Results in all children were excellent; all had a full return of motion except two who lacked 5 degrees of pronation. This retrospective series is the first reported to date looking exclusively at diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures in children treated with fixation of a single bone. The rationale of treatment is to stabilize one bone while the other is rotated into reduction. Repeated anesthetics are avoided, and malreduction is prevented without adult-style both-bone plating. We prefer intramedullary fixation as hardware is easier and safer to place and remove.