Evaluation of the functional results of single bone fixation with intramedullary flexible nail in both-bone fractures of the forearm in Children

Authors

Abstract

Background
Both-bone fractures of the forearm represent the third most common fractures in children. They come in the third place after supracondylar humerus and distal radius fractures. Due to the high prevalence of fractures in children, it is crucial to provide adequate care and understand any potential psychosocial sequalae.
Methods
This ‘prospective cohort study’ aimed to determine the functional results of single bone fixation using elastic stable intramedullary nails (ESIN). It was held at Fayoum university hospital and included 25 patients all of them aged below 13 years old. They had single bone fixation and their forearm function was assessed after 3 and 6 months.
Results
24 patients had an excellent score while a single case lost about 9° of pronation and was given a good score. A single case had delayed union of the ulna.
Conclusion
Single bone fixation of both-bone fractures of the forearm in children is a reliable method with excellent functional outcome, less operative time, less radiation exposure, and without an increase in complication rate.

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