Journal of pediatric orthopedics. Part B
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Forty-five children with combined fractures of the proximal end of the radius and ulna were treated in our orthopedic department over a period of 16 years (1984-1999). The age of the patients ranged from 5 to 12 years (mean 8 years) with a peak of 7-8 years. The mechanism of injury was a fall on the outstretched hand with the elbow extended and with a valgus force being applied to the elbow. ⋯ Valgus deformity, restriction in flexion-extension, and pronation-supination were related with the extent of the initial injury but not related with the way of treatment. Overgrowth of the radial head, which had minor impact mainly on the pronation-supination, was found in the majority of cases that underwent surgical treatment. Minor residual abnormalities of the radius, ulna, or both were present without having marked functional influence.