J Bone Joint Surg Br
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J Bone Joint Surg Br · Mar 2001
Comparative StudyTreatment of unstable fractures of the forearm in children. Is plating of a single bone adequate?
Unstable fractures of the forearm in children present problems in management and in the indications for operative treatment. In children, unlike adults, the fractures nearly always unite, and up to 10 degrees of angulation is usually considered to be acceptable. If surgical intervention is required the usual practice in the UK is to plate both bones as in an adult. ⋯ The mean radiological angulation in both was less than 10 degrees in both AP and lateral views, which was consistent with satisfactory function. The final outcome for 23 patients was excellent or good in 12 of 14 (90%) in group A, despite the complications, and in eight of nine in group B (90%). If reduction and fixation of the fracture of the ulna alone restores acceptable alignment of the radius in unstable fractures of the forearm, operation on the radius can be avoided.