Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 16, 2026

Development of a Novel Internal Fixation Model for Rat Radial Fractures: Fracture Healing Assessment and Dorsal Root Ganglion Isolation
11:21

Development of a Novel Internal Fixation Model for Rat Radial Fractures: Fracture Healing Assessment and Dorsal Root Ganglion Isolation

Published on: March 13, 2026

411

The shaft fractures of the radius and ulna in children: current concepts

Juha-Jaakko Sinikumpu1, Willy Serlo

  • 1Department of Paediatric Surgery and Orthopaedics, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland.

Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics. Part B
|February 26, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Pediatric forearm shaft fractures require individualized treatment. Nonoperative care suits stable fractures, while unstable ones may need elastic stable intramedullary nailing or plate fixation for optimal outcomes.

Area of Science:

  • Orthopedic Surgery
  • Pediatric Orthopedics
  • Pediatric Traumatology

Background:

  • Forearm shaft fractures in children are increasingly common and complex.
  • These fractures can lead to significant long-term complications if not managed appropriately.
  • Individualized treatment strategies are crucial for pediatric patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To outline the current concepts in managing pediatric radius and ulna shaft fractures.
  • To discuss the indications and outcomes of various treatment modalities.
  • To emphasize the importance of understanding injury mechanisms and muscle forces.

Main Methods:

  • Review of current treatment strategies for pediatric forearm shaft fractures.
  • Discussion of nonoperative management (closed reduction and casting).
  • Evaluation of operative interventions including elastic stable intramedullary nailing and plate fixation.

Main Results:

  • Nonoperative care is effective for stable fractures, particularly in younger children.
  • Elastic stable intramedullary nailing is preferred for unstable fractures in preschool to adolescent age groups.
  • Rigid plate fixation is suitable for older children nearing skeletal maturity.

Conclusions:

  • Treatment must be tailored to the child's age, fracture stability, and skeletal maturity.
  • Proper immobilization and understanding of deforming forces are key in nonoperative management.
  • Elastic stable intramedullary nailing generally yields good results, with forearm rotation being a critical determinant of clinical outcome.

More Related Videos

Creating Rigidly Stabilized Fractures for Assessing Intramembranous Ossification, Distraction Osteogenesis, or Healing of Critical Sized Defects07:35

Creating Rigidly Stabilized Fractures for Assessing Intramembranous Ossification, Distraction Osteogenesis, or Healing of Critical Sized Defects

Published on: April 11, 2012

19.0K
A Rat Tibial Growth Plate Injury Model to Characterize Repair Mechanisms and Evaluate Growth Plate Regeneration Strategies06:53

A Rat Tibial Growth Plate Injury Model to Characterize Repair Mechanisms and Evaluate Growth Plate Regeneration Strategies

Published on: July 4, 2017

11.8K

Related Concept Videos

Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius01:09

Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius

The radius is longer of the two bones that make up the human antebrachium or forearm. At the proximal end, the radius articulates with the capitulum of the humerus and the radial notch of the ulna to form the elbow joint. At the distal end, the radius articulates with the ulna via the ulnar notch, forming the distal radioulnar joint. Distally, the radius also attaches to the carpal wrist bones (scaphoid and lunate) to form the radiocarpal joint.
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a...
11.6K
Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna01:15

Bones of the Upper Limb: Ulna

The ulna and radius are parallel bones of the antebrachium or the forearm. The ulna lies medially and consists of a bony tip called the olecranon process at its proximal end. This hook-like projection articulates with the olecranon fossa of the humerus and forms the "hinged" ulnohumeral part of the elbow joint. This joint facilitates forearm extension and flexion while preventing its hyperextension. Similarly, the coronoid process, another bony projection on the proximal/anterior side...
11.2K
Fractures: Bone Repair01:27

Fractures: Bone Repair

Treatment for a fracture is based on the type of break, the bone affected, and the patient's age.
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...
6.9K
Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus01:19

Bones of the Upper Limb: Humerus

The upper limb consists of the arm, forearm, wrist, and hand bones. The humerus is the single bone of the upper arm region. Proximally, it has a large, spherical, smooth head that articulates with the glenoid cavity of the scapula to form the glenohumeral or shoulder joint. The margin of the head is the anatomical neck, a residual epiphyseal plate. Laterally it extends to form bony projections called the greater tubercle and the lesser tubercle. Next to the tubercles is the surgical neck, a...
14.6K
Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age01:09

Changes in the Appendicular Skeleton with Age

The upper and lower limb initially develops as a small bulge called a limb bud, which appears on the lateral side of the early embryo. The upper limb bud appears near the end of the fourth week of development, with the lower limb bud appearing shortly after.
Initially, the limb buds consist of a core of mesenchyme covered by a layer of ectoderm. The ectoderm at the end of the limb bud thickens to form a narrow crest called the apical ectodermal ridge. This ridge stimulates the underlying...
4.1K
Arteries of the Upper Limbs01:12

Arteries of the Upper Limbs

The subclavian artery transitions into the axillary artery as it exits the chest and enters the axillary region. This artery is critical for supplying blood to the shoulder area, including the head of the humerus, through the humeral circumflex arteries. As the vessel continues into the upper arm or brachium, it becomes the brachial artery. This artery plays a key role in vascularizing the brachial region and bifurcates at the elbow into several branches. These branches include the deep...
3.2K