Intramedullary fixation for pediatric unstable forearm fractures

Forty-nine children with diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures were treated with either both-bone intramedullary wire fixation (24), single ulnar intramedullary wire fixation (22), or single radial intramedullary wire fixation (3). Six fractures were open and 43 were closed. A limited open approach to one or both bones was necessary for insertion of the intramedullary wire in 10 of 43 closed fractures. All both-bone and single radial intramedullary wire fixations healed with less than 5 degrees angulation. Progressive reangulation of the nonfixed radial fracture after an initial satisfactory reduction was seen in seven of the 22 fractures treated with single ulnar intramedullary wire fixation. In four patients, the reangulation was controlled by a change of cast and molding of the fracture and was between 8 degrees and 12 degrees at union. In two other patients a second operative procedure was required to reduce and internally fix the radius. One fracture healed with a radial angulation of 25 degrees. Three fractures in older patients showed late reangulation after early removal of intramedullary wires at 5 weeks. The results of the current study suggest that the radius and ulna should be stabilized with intramedullary wires and that the wires should be buried to reduce the need for early removal.