European journal of pediatric surgery : official journal of Austrian Association of Pediatric Surgery ... [et al] = Zeitschrift für Kinderchirurgie
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Forearm fractures are common among children. Unlike most pediatric fractures, there is a risk of unsatisfactory results in forearm shaft fractures. The healing of a tubular bone is most unlikely in the diaphysis far away from the metaphyseal zones. The treatment of forearm shaft fractures is evolving. The purpose of the study was to analyze the pattern of forearm shaft fractures and their treatment in a population of children in recent years. ⋯ We found two mega-trends in pediatric forearm shaft fractures in the period from 1997 to 2009: First, the number of fractures was increasing significantly. Second, the forearm shaft fractures were increasingly treated by an invasive intramedullary method. We also found a significant seasonal variation, but the reason for it is not clear. The findings are based on valuable population-based data and the results are certain. Pediatric trauma centres should prepare themselves for on-going changes in forearm shaft fractures.