Refracture of the forearm in children.

In a retrospective study we reviewed 28 refractures of the forearm in children, which occurred at a mean of 14 weeks after conservative treatment of the primary fracture. The cause for the refracture was incomplete healing of a primary greenstick fracture in 21 cases (84%). Twenty-two recurrent fractures were treated conservatively, but two had a second refracture. Fifteen patients were followed for over two years. Definitive angulation of more than 10 degrees caused a deficit of forearm rotation. To prevent refracture of the forearm in children, complete and circular consolidation of the primary fracture must be guaranteed.