[Fractures of a single bone of the forearm in children]

A series of 69 one bone forearm fractures in children is reported. Thirty six ulna and 33 radius were involved. Average age was 7.6 years. The fracture type varied: compression fracture in 2 cases, greenstick fracture in 45 cases and impacted fracture in 22 cases. For 25 cases, a plastic bowing of the other forearm bone was associated. Treatment was immobilization without reduction (53), or reduction with anesthesia (16). One proximal radial fracture was treated with medullary nailing the 15th day, after 2 secondary displacements. Early radiological results were very good in 40 per cent, good in 32 per cent, fair in 19 per cent, and poor in 7 per cent. Eleven children with a poor or fair initial result had clinical and radiological evaluation with long term follow-up; functional and radiological results were always good or very good. The reduction of the plastic deformity as reported by Sanders allowed to achieve better early results.