Pediatric Fractures of the Hand, Wrist, Forearm, and Elbow-Pediatric Distal Radius and Forearm Fractures

Pediatric Distal Radius and Forearm Fractures

Pdf Summary

Distal radius and forearm fractures are common injuries in children and can be challenging to treat due to the variety of fracture presentations and patient expectations. Traditionally, most of these fractures were treated nonsurgically, but recent research suggests that surgical treatment may lead to better outcomes, particularly in terms of return to normal activity levels. Non-surgical treatment options include splint immobilization or short arm casting, which can be effective for certain types of fractures like torus fractures. However, cast immobilization may lead to loss of reduction in some cases. Surgical options include intramedullary fixation or open reduction and internal fixation using plates and screws. Intramedullary fixation is becoming the preferred technique for stabilization of forearm fractures in children. It can be performed using a variety of implants, such as Kirschner wires or elastic nails, and allows for earlier motion and faster healing. Open reduction and internal fixation may be performed in older adolescents with less remaining skeletal growth. Complications of these fractures can include malunion, nonunion, synostosis, and neurovascular compromise. Treatment depends on the severity of the complications, but corrective osteotomies may be performed to restore alignment and function. Fracture malunions may occur and can be treated with corrective osteotomies, while refracture risks can be minimized through careful post-treatment management. Overall, adhering to the treatment principles and techniques outlined in the article can lead to successful outcomes for pediatric distal radius and forearm fractures.

Keywords

distal radius fractures

forearm fractures

children

treatment options

surgical treatment

nonsurgical treatment

splint immobilization

short arm casting

intramedullary fixation

open reduction and internal fixation