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Updated: Jun 26, 2026

Creating Rigidly Stabilized Fractures for Assessing Intramembranous Ossification, Distraction Osteogenesis, or Healing of Critical Sized Defects
Published on: April 11, 2012
[Osteosynthesis in proximal forearm fractures in children]
1Kinderchirurgische Klinik, Klinikum Karlsruhe, Karlsruhe, Germany. peter.schmittenbecher@klinikum-karlsruhe.de
Insights
Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) effectively treats displaced proximal radial neck and ulnar fractures in children, achieving excellent functional outcomes without additional immobilization.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Traumatology
Background:
- Displaced proximal radial neck and ulnar fractures require effective treatment to prevent long-term functional deficits.
- Open reduction carries risks of circulatory disturbances and functional impairment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of closed reduction and elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) for displaced proximal radial neck and ulnar fractures.
- To assess the prevention of complications associated with open reduction.
Main Methods:
- ESIN technique for proximal radial neck fractures with >45 degrees displacement (<10 years) or >20 degrees (>10 years).
- ESIN for proximal extraarticular ulnar fractures with >10 degrees malalignment.
- Management of combined injuries like Monteggia fractures.
Main Results:
- Achieved 78-87% very good to good functional results.
- ESIN provided a minimally invasive approach, avoiding complications of open reduction.
Conclusions:
- ESIN is a safe and effective treatment for displaced proximal radial neck and ulnar fractures in pediatric patients.
- Functional treatment without additional immobilization leads to favorable outcomes.
Objective:
Closed reduction and fixation of displaced proximal radial neck or ulnar fractures with elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN); prevention of circulatory disturbances and functional deficits following open reduction.
Indications:
Proximal radial neck fractures > 45 degrees displacement (< 10 years of age) or > 20 degrees (> 10 years of age); proximal extraarticular ulnar fractures > 10 degrees malalignment; combination injuries (Monteggia fracture, Monteggia-equivalent injury).
Contraindications:
Minimally displaced or undisplaced fractures.
Surgical Technique:
Radius: distal implantation of the nail; touching and fixation of the proximal fragment with the tip of the nail, if need be following digital or percutaneous partial reduction (Kirschner wire); definitive reduction by torsion of the nail. Ulna: distal implantation of a prebent nail; the prebent curve is placed opposite to the malalignment.
Postoperative Management:
Functional treatment, no additive immobilization, no physical therapy.
Results:
78-87% very good and good functional results.
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