The Legitimacy for the Use of Splint Immobilization After Elastic Intramedullary Nailing of Both-bone Forearm Shaft...

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Traumatology

Background:

• Pediatric diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures are commonly treated with elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN).
• Current treatment guidelines lack clarity regarding the necessity and duration of post-operative splint immobilization.
• This study investigates the role of splint immobilization following ESIN for pediatric forearm fractures.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the necessity of splint immobilization after ESIN for pediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures.
• To compare outcomes between patients with and without splint immobilization post-ESIN.

Main Methods:

• A prospective study included 38 pediatric patients with isolated radial and ulnar shaft fractures.
• Patients were divided into two groups: one with splint immobilization (mean 3.93 weeks) and one with only a sling allowing early movement.
• Outcomes assessed included range of motion, healing time, pain, complications, and overall treatment success.

Main Results:

• No significant differences were observed in bone healing time, complication rates, or final functional outcomes between the groups.
• The nonsplint group demonstrated faster initial movement recovery, with similar final range of motion.
• The splinted group reported higher pain-free rates at 2 weeks post-surgery, though overall pain intensity was low in both groups.

Conclusions:

• Splint immobilization after ESIN for pediatric forearm fractures does not improve healing time or functional outcomes.
• Splinting may offer short-term pain relief in the initial two weeks post-surgery.
• Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) is a safe and effective treatment for pediatric forearm shaft fractures, with early mobilization potentially beneficial.