Completely displaced distal radius fractures with intact ulnas in children.

Completely displaced distal radius fractures with intact ulnas are uncommon, difficult-to-reduce fractures in children. Ten of these fractures were retrospectively reviewed from a series of more than 600 forearm fractures. Eight of ten patients were available for follow up clinically and radiologically at an average of 21 months. Considerable remodeling was noted including two fractures that were left in an overriding position of 10 mm. If angulation does not exceed 16 degrees of radial deviation and 20 degrees of dorsal angulation, repeat manipulations need not be performed. Stimulation of growth by the fracture restored radial length. Thus, reduction of the overriding is unnecessary.