Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026

Development of a Novel Internal Fixation Model for Rat Radial Fractures: Fracture Healing Assessment and Dorsal Root Ganglion Isolation
Published on: March 13, 2026
Which factors affect limitation of pronation/supination after forearm fractures in children? A prospective
Joost W Colaris1, Jan Hein Allema2, Max Reijman1
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
Insights
Re-fractures and diaphyseal fractures in children significantly increase the risk of limited forearm rotation after a both-bone fracture. More physiotherapy is linked to better outcomes in severe cases.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Traumatology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Both-bone forearm fractures in children commonly lead to restricted pronation/supination, impacting daily activities.
- Identifying factors associated with this limitation is crucial for effective management and improved functional outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively investigate clinical factors related to pronation/supination limitation in pediatric both-bone forearm fractures.
- To determine the independent predictors of significant rotational deficit post-fracture.
Main Methods:
- Prospective multicenter study including children (<16 years) with both-bone forearm fractures.
- Data collected via questionnaires, physical examination, and X-rays over 6-9 months follow-up.
- Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses used to identify associated clinical factors.
Main Results:
- A re-fracture (OR 11.7) and diaphyseal fractures (OR 3.3) were independently associated with a pronation/supination limitation of ≥20°.
- Less physiotherapy during follow-up was also linked to increased limitation (OR 0.90).
- Study included 410 children with a 97.6% follow-up rate.
Conclusions:
- Re-fractures and diaphyseal fractures are independent risk factors for limited forearm rotation in children.
- Extensive physiotherapy is associated with better functional outcomes in children experiencing severe pronation/supination limitations.
Introduction:
Both-bone forearm fractures in children frequently result in a limitation of pronation/supination, which hinders daily activities. The purpose of this prospective multicentre study was to investigate which clinical factors are related to the limitation of pronation/supination in children with a both-bone forearm fracture.
Methods:
In four Dutch hospitals, consecutive children (<16 years) who sustained a both-bone forearm fracture were included. Children were followed up for 6-9 months and data from questionnaires, physical examination and X-rays were collected. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between limitation of pronation/supination (≥20°) and several clinical factors.
Results:
A group of 410 children with both-bone forearm fractures were included, of which 10 children missed the final examination (follow-up rate of 97.6%). We found that a re-fracture (odds ratio (OR) 11.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2; 118.5), a fracture in the diaphysis (OR 3.3, 95% CI 1.4; 7.9) and less physiotherapy during follow-up (OR 0.90, 95% CI 0.82; 0.98) were independently associated with a limitation of pronation/supination of 20° or more.
Conclusions:
These findings imply that a re-fracture and a diaphyseal located fracture were associated independently of each other with a limitation of pronation/supination in children with a both-bone forearm fracture. Furthermore, in children with severe limitation extensive physiotherapy is associated with better functional outcome.
Related Concept Videos
Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the...
Muscles that Move the Forearm
Forearm Flexors
The biceps brachii, brachialis, and brachioradialis are forearm flexors. The biceps brachii is made up of two heads. Its long head originates at the supraglenoid tubercle of the scapula, whereas that of the short head is...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a...
Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna

