Percutaneous Kirschner-wire fixation for displaced distal forearm fractures in children

Mohamed F Mostafa1, Gamal El-Adl, Ahmed Enan

  • 1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology, Mansoura University Hospital, Mansoura, Egypt. thabetortho20032003@yahoo.com

Acta Orthopaedica Belgica
|September 25, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Percutaneous Kirschner-wire fixation is effective for high-risk pediatric distal forearm fractures. This method achieved satisfactory results in 87.5% of cases, indicating its clinical utility.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Traumatology

Background:

  • Distal forearm fractures are common in children.
  • High-risk fractures require effective management to prevent long-term complications.
  • Percutaneous Kirschner-wire fixation is a minimally invasive technique.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the efficacy of percutaneous Kirschner-wire fixation for high-risk pediatric distal forearm fractures.
  • To assess clinical and radiological outcomes.
  • To identify factors associated with unsatisfactory results.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 32 children (average age 10.1 years) with displaced distal forearm fractures.
  • Management involved closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner-wire fixation.
  • Follow-up averaged 28.6 months with clinical and radiological evaluations.

Main Results:

  • Satisfactory results were achieved in 87.5% of cases.
  • Antegrade intramedullary Kirschner-wire fixation was used in 71.9% of distal radial fractures.
  • Residual angulation and limited forearm rotation correlated with unsatisfactory outcomes.

Conclusions:

  • Percutaneous Kirschner-wire fixation is a safe and effective treatment for high-risk pediatric distal forearm fractures.
  • Primary fixation supplemented with cast immobilization is recommended.
  • Minimizing residual angulation is crucial for optimal functional recovery.