Paediatric diaphyseal forearm refractures after greenstick fractures: operative management with ESIN

One of the complications of forearm shaft fracture is refracture. Elastic stable intramedullary nailing represents an alternative method for refracture treatment to cast immobilisation for another five to seven weeks. Operative treatment often necessitates an open reduction in most cases due to blocked or narrowed medullary canals. The purpose of this study was to examine the expense of the operative procedure, technique (closed or open intramedullary nailing) and postoperative complications in diaphyseal forearm refractures.

We retrospectively examined the expense of operative procedure in 21 children with diaphyseal forearm refractures treated with ESIN.

In 18 cases, closed reduction with nailing was possible; three required an open reduction. In nine patients a closed medullary cavity was present; only two of them needed an open reduction. None of the patients had complications (wound healing, osteomyelitis, rupture of the extensor pollicus longus). Swelling appeared in four patients, paraesthesia of the thumb in one. Free functional movement was achieved in all children. Long term results: No re-refracture occurred. One patient suffered from meteorosensitivity. Twelve are able to do the same sporting activities as before injury.

ESIN seems to be one choice for treatment in refracture of the forearm, as in most cases the operative reduction can be performed in a closed way by means of "tricks and hints".