INTRODUCTION: Both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in children can be stabilised without cast by a flexible intramedullary nail in both the radius and the ulna. Adequate results with single-bone fixation combined with a complementary cast are also reported. However, because those results are based on a selection of children, this trial investigates whether single-bone intramedullary fixation, compared with both-bone intramedullary fixation, results in similar pronation and supination in children with an unstable diaphyseal both-bone forearm fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In four Dutch hospitals, 24 consecutive children aged <16 years with a displaced unstable both-bone diaphyseal forearm fracture were randomly allocated to single-bone or both-bone intramedullary fixation. Primary outcome was limitation of pronation and supination 9 months after initial trauma. Secondary outcomes were limitation of flexion/extension of wrist/elbow, complication rate, operation time, cosmetics of the fractured arm, complaints in daily life, and assessment of radiographs. RESULTS:Between January 2006 and August 2010, 11 children were randomised to single-bone fixation and 13 to both-bone fixation. In the both-bone fixation group, two fractures were stabilized by only one nail. In both groups, median limitation of pronation/supination at 9-month follow-up was 5°-10°. In both groups operation time was similar but in the single-bone fixation group cast immobilisation was longer (median of 37 vs. 28 days). In four children, re-displacement of the fracture occurred in those fractures without an intramedullary nail. CONCLUSIONS: These results caution against the use of single-bone fixation in all both-bone forearm fractures. This method may lead to increased re-displacement and reduced clinical results.
RCT Entities:
INTRODUCTION: Both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in children can be stabilised without cast by a flexible intramedullary nail in both the radius and the ulna. Adequate results with single-bone fixation combined with a complementary cast are also reported. However, because those results are based on a selection of children, this trial investigates whether single-bone intramedullary fixation, compared with both-bone intramedullary fixation, results in similar pronation and supination in children with an unstable diaphyseal both-bone forearm fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In four Dutch hospitals, 24 consecutive children aged <16 years with a displaced unstable both-bone diaphyseal forearm fracture were randomly allocated to single-bone or both-bone intramedullary fixation. Primary outcome was limitation of pronation and supination 9 months after initial trauma. Secondary outcomes were limitation of flexion/extension of wrist/elbow, complication rate, operation time, cosmetics of the fractured arm, complaints in daily life, and assessment of radiographs. RESULTS: Between January 2006 and August 2010, 11 children were randomised to single-bone fixation and 13 to both-bone fixation. In the both-bone fixation group, two fractures were stabilized by only one nail. In both groups, median limitation of pronation/supination at 9-month follow-up was 5°-10°. In both groups operation time was similar but in the single-bone fixation group cast immobilisation was longer (median of 37 vs. 28 days). In four children, re-displacement of the fracture occurred in those fractures without an intramedullary nail. CONCLUSIONS: These results caution against the use of single-bone fixation in all both-bone forearm fractures. This method may lead to increased re-displacement and reduced clinical results.
Authors: Mohamed Khaled; Amr A Fadle; Ahmed Khalil Attia; Andrew Sami; Abdelkhalek Hafez; Nariman Abol Oyoun Journal: Int Orthop Date: 2021-06-12 Impact factor: 3.075