Midshaft fractures of forearm bones in children

Eighty midshaft fractures of the forearm bones in children are reviewed. These fractures occur predominantly in boys and are more frequent in the left forearm. The fractures can occur at any age, but the majority are seen between 6 and 8 years of age. They are divided into two groups: greenstick (Type 1) and displaced fractures (Type 2). Greenstick fractures (Type 1, 82.5 per cent) need only correction of the deformity without breaking the intact cortex, followed by supervized splintage for 6 weeks. Type 2(a) (3.8 per cent) fractures, where only one bone is displaced, were treated conservatively, but the displaced bone tends to heal with lateral angulation causing limited rotation unless adequately aligned surgically. Type 2(b) (13.7 per cent) fractures, where both bones are displaced, occur in young teenagers. The majority of these should be treated by internal fixation if adequate alignment cannot be achieved or maintained by conservative means.