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  • Title: Single-bone intramedullary fixation of unstable both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in children leads to increased re-displacement: a multicentre randomised controlled trial.
    Author: Colaris J, Reijman M, Allema JH, Kraan G, van Winterswijk P, de Vries M, van de Ven C, Verhaar J.
    Journal: Arch Orthop Trauma Surg; 2013 Aug; 133(8):1079-87. PubMed ID: 23649400.
    Abstract:
    INTRODUCTION: Both-bone diaphyseal forearm fractures in children can be stabilised without cast by a flexible intramedullary nail in both the radius and the ulna. Adequate results with single-bone fixation combined with a complementary cast are also reported. However, because those results are based on a selection of children, this trial investigates whether single-bone intramedullary fixation, compared with both-bone intramedullary fixation, results in similar pronation and supination in children with an unstable diaphyseal both-bone forearm fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In four Dutch hospitals, 24 consecutive children aged <16 years with a displaced unstable both-bone diaphyseal forearm fracture were randomly allocated to single-bone or both-bone intramedullary fixation. Primary outcome was limitation of pronation and supination 9 months after initial trauma. Secondary outcomes were limitation of flexion/extension of wrist/elbow, complication rate, operation time, cosmetics of the fractured arm, complaints in daily life, and assessment of radiographs. RESULTS: Between January 2006 and August 2010, 11 children were randomised to single-bone fixation and 13 to both-bone fixation. In the both-bone fixation group, two fractures were stabilized by only one nail. In both groups, median limitation of pronation/supination at 9-month follow-up was 5°-10°. In both groups operation time was similar but in the single-bone fixation group cast immobilisation was longer (median of 37 vs. 28 days). In four children, re-displacement of the fracture occurred in those fractures without an intramedullary nail. CONCLUSIONS: These results caution against the use of single-bone fixation in all both-bone forearm fractures. This method may lead to increased re-displacement and reduced clinical results.
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