Pattern of forearm fractures in children.

Retrospective analysis of 500 consecutive fractures of the forearm in normal children was conducted. The fracture pattern secondary to fall on the out-stretched arm in the pediatric age group is for the fracture line to progress from proximal to distal with advancing skeletal age. Fractures falling outside described norms for the age represent a different population. In the older child they are an increased indication for open reduction, and in the younger child indicate an increased possibility of child abuse. Changes in the radial shaft occurring with maturity place differing areas at risk and are offered as the major reason for the fracture pattern. Epiphyseal fractures of the forearm were primarily fractures of early adolescence rather than childhood.