[Surgical correction of malunited fractures of the forearm in children].

AIM

In our goal-oriented society the demands for a forearm with full function are increasing. Functional deficits are not acceptable even if they persist only for a limited period of time. Therefore a rising number of surgical corrections of malunited forearm fractures in the pediatric patient has been performed during the last years. However literature about indication, technique and outcome in these patients is rare. For that reason we report our experience about surgical correction of malunited fractures of the forearm in 14 children.

METHODS

Fourteen patients with an average age of 13 years at the time of surgical correction of a malunited fracture of the forearm were included. Seven had a deformity of the shaft, five at the distal forearm without and two with growth disturbance. Malunions without growth disturbance were corrected with an osteotomy and plate fixation. Those with growth disturbance were first treated with callus distraction. Previous to and 24 (3 to 100) months after surgical correction the patients were examined clinically and radiologically. Range of motion was noted. Additionally to the range of motion, grip strength and pain (VAS) were documented. Patients with correction of the distal forearm were asked to fill out the DASH questionnaire.

RESULTS

In all groups a significant increase of the range of motion was noted in pro-/supination of 61 per cent to 85-0-80 degrees. In patients with distal correction additionally the range of motion in extension/flexion of the wrist improved 30 per cent to 70-0-65 degrees and in ulnar/radialduction 22 per cent to 30-0-35 degrees. At follow-up the grip strength following distal corrections was 98 per cent of the opposite side. The patients had no pain (VAS < 3 points). The median subjective functional result was excellent with a median DASH score of 3.5 points.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that potent techniques for surgical correction of malunited forearm fractures in the growing skeleton are available. These techniques allow excellent functional outcome.