[The results of forearm fractures by percutaneous stabilization in children]

Between 1997 and 1999, 332 children (251 boys and 81 girls), aged 1 to 16, with fractures of the forearm bones were treated at the Department of Pediatric Surgery and Oncology in Łódź. In 38 patients (11.4%) percutaneous intramedullary Kirschner wiring of displaced fragments was performed. Proper reduction and good union of the fractured bones was achieved in all cases. Early evaluation performed at 6 months to 2 years after surgery revealed full joint mobility, preserved bone axis and no bone-length differences in comparison with the healthy forearm. Limitation of carpal joint mobility found in 4 cases (10.5%) was treated with prolonged (3 to 6 months) therapeutic rehabilitation. No patient in the analyzed series showed any symptoms of ostitis. The obtained results indicate that percutaneous intramedullary Kirschner wiring is a simple and effective way of treating chosen cases of forearm fractures in children.