Pediatric distal radius fracture

Abstract:

Bone fractures of the forearm in children are very common and account for more than 35% of all fractures in children. One-third of forearm fractures are of the distal radius and are the most common bone fractures in children. The main injury mechanism is falling onto an outstretched arm. During the first examination attention should be directed toward the neurological status and associated injuries, and determining a radiological accurate diagnosis is the first requirement while selecting the proper treatment method. Fractures with tolerable displacement of fragments or without them are treated with immobilization. If repositioning is required then a closed technique under anesthesia and under the contol of an X-ray fluoroscopy is commonly utilized. Open reposition (repositio cruenta) is a less frequently applied method, which is typically accompanied by internal fixation (Kirschner wires or intramedullary nails). Although almost a third of non-surgically treated fractures have a secondary displacement of fractures, overall the end results are excellent. Fractures of the distal radius in children heal quickly, without pseudoarthrosis, and smaller secondary displacements spontaneously correct themselves due to excellent potential for remodeling. 

Key words:
children; distal radius; fracture