[Distal radius fracture - a goalkeepers' injury in children and adolescents].

INTRODUCTION

Fractures of the distal radius are the most frequent fractures of longbones during childhood and adolescence. A rare mechanism of injury is the attempt of a soccer goalkeeper to save the ball, shot with high velocity.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Reports of all children and adolescents up to the age of 14, suffering from a distal radius fracture from a three year period were evaluated retrospectively and this particular mechanism of injury was identified. All patients were reinvestigated after at least 10 months clinically.

RESULTS

Amongst 516 distal radius- and distal forearm fractures, there were 213 (41.3 %) sports injuries. 61(28.6 %) of them resulted from playing soccer, with 48 (78.7 %) after a fall. 13 distal radius fractures were identified as a goalkeepers injury by a sharply shot ball. We found 6 buckle fractures, 4 complete fractures, 2 physeal separations Salter II and 1 metaphyseal greenstick fracture. At the time of the last follow up investigation all injured had regained their level of sports.

DISCUSSION

Injuries to the lower extremities are most frequent in soccer. The ball itself may lead to fractures and dislocations of the hand and finger skeleton, even not unfrequently to distal radius fractures. Wrist protectors and an adequate behaviour in game and training may contribute to their avoidance.