OPEN REDUCTION AND INTRAMEDULLARY FIXATION OF FOREARM FRACTURES IN CHILDREN THROUGH LIMITED INCISION

Abstract

Introduction: In our study; we evaluated the forearm fractures in children which were fixed by intramedullary kirschner wires through open reduction with mini incision, prospectively.
Patients and methods: There were 20 forearm fractures of two girls and 18 boys who were between 8-14 years. Unsuccessfull reduction in eleven patients, loss of reduction during follow-up in five patients, open fractures in two and refracture in two patients were indications for intramedullar fixation. Forearm fractures were fixed by retrograd intramedullary nailing with two kirschner wires through limited incision under general anesthesia. Cast splint was applied for 20 days and kirschner wires were removed approximately 40.5 days.
Results: Mean follow-up period was 36 (24-68) months. In clinical and radiological follow-up; we didn’t observe any length discrepiencies, nonunion or infection. Limitation in rotation of the forearm were observed in four patients. There were two radial angulation through volar direction. According to Price’s evaluation criterias, there were 19 excellent and 1 good results.
Discussion: Open reduction and intramedullary fixation with kirschner wires through limited incision is an easy, reliable and alternative method for the forearm fractures in children aged between 8-14 years.