Malunion of the distal radius in children: accurate prediction of the expected remodeling

Repurposing Spinal Distractor to Reduce Pediatric Wrist Fractures

Fracture geometry, particularly a jagged bone spike, can present a physical barrier in closed reduction of pediatric distal radius-ulna fractures. When closed reduction of the fracture is not possible, accepting an incomplete reduction and hoping for remodeling, or open reduction, which poses a greater risk for infection and potential physeal injury, are alternative treatment options. The objective of this study was to describe a technique, coined as Percutaneous Skeletal Traction Aided Reduction (P_STAR), for reducing these fractures, thereby eliminating the acceptance of an incomplete reduction and the risks associated with open reduction. In P_STAR, 2 distraction pins are placed 1.5 cm proximal and distal to the fracture site in clearance of the distal radial physis. A shadow-line spinal distractor is then used to distract the pins, reducing the fracture over the irregular impeding fracture geometry. After distraction is released, 1 or 2 K-wires can be percutaneously inserted to transfix the fracture. A video of the technique was also included as Supplemental Digital Content, http://links.lww.com/BTH/A188 . When performed on 18 children with distal radius-ulna fractures, P_STAR achieved near anatomic fracture alignment with no nerve or tendon injury, infection, or refracture.

Clinical Follow-Up without Radiographs Is Sufficient after Most Nonoperatively Treated Distal Radius Fractures in Children

Distal forearm fractures are common in children and are usually treated nonoperatively. No consensus has been reached on how to perform clinical and radiographic follow-up of these fractures. Our aim was to study whether radiographic and clinical follow-up is justified. We included 100 consecutive patients with non-operatively treated distal forearm fractures who were treated at Oulu University Hospital in 2010-2011. The natural history of the fractures during the nonoperative treatment was analyzed by measuring the potential worsening of the alignment during the follow-up period. The limits of acceptable fracture position were set according to the current literature using "strict" or "wide" criteria for alignment. We determined the rate of worsening fracture position (i.e., patients who reached the threshold of unacceptable alignment). In relation to splinting, we evaluated how many patients benefited from clinical follow-up. Most of the fractures (98%) preserved acceptable alignment during the entire follow-up period when wide criteria were used. The application of stricter criteria for alignment in radiographs showed loss of reduction in 19% of the fractures. Worsening of the alignment was recognized at a mean of 13 days (range 5-29) after the injury. One in three (32%) patients needed some intervention due to splint loosening or failure. Radiographic follow-up of nonoperatively treated distal forearm fractures remains questionable. Instead, clinical follow-up is important, as 32% of patients needed their splints fixed.

Mini-invasive Osteotomy for Pediatric Distal Radius Malunion

Although most malunions after pediatric distal radius fractures will remodel as the child grows, adolescent patients with severe malunion and limited growth require reduction to restore alignment. The authors technique for a mini-invasive osteotomy is presented. The apex of the malunion is approached from a single 2 cm volar incision through the flexor carpi radialis sheath. Open wedge osteotomy is performed. The osteosynthesis is secured with an individually contoured T-plate. The procedure was used to correct a severe visible malunion in a 12-year-old girl. Normal alignment was achieved with no nerve or tendon injury or irritation, infection, refracture, or any other complication. Mini-invasive osteotomy with a volar plate is a feasible method for experienced hand surgeons for the treatment of distal radius malunion in adolescents.

Healing of a Large Bone Defect Secondary to Tuberculosis in an Infant: A Case Report

CASE

A 9-month-old male child presented with swelling over the distal radius that was debrided, and histopathology revealed tuberculosis. Curettage left a large bony defect in the distal radius metaphysis. The defect was not surgically addressed because near-complete spontaneous filling of the defect was seen at 3 months' follow-up. The patient was given antituberculous therapy for 12 months and had excellent outcomes at 24 months' follow-up.

CONCLUSION

A large bony defect secondary to tuberculosis, in the distal radius metaphysis in an infant, regenerated spontaneously without the need for bone substitutes, bone grafting, or complex microvascular procedures.

Testing a new method of osteosynthesis of forearm fractures in children; a prospective randomized controlled longitudinal study

PURPOSE

Displaced children's forearms fractures are commonly treated surgically with Kirschner Wires or Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nails. The osteosynthesis system "Minimally Invasive Reduction and Osteosynthesis System" might be beneficial in the treatment of these fractures due to being minimally invasive while achieving fracture stability. In this exploratory prospective randomized controlled longitudinal study, we compared Minimally Invasive Reduction and Osteosynthesis System to Kirschner Wires and Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nails osteosynthesis.

METHODS

Twenty children were included consecutively to treatment with either conventional surgery (5 Kirschner Wires/5 Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nails) or Minimally Invasive Reduction and Osteosynthesis System (10). Evaluation of radiographic alignment and clinically of range of motion, pain status, grip strength, level of physical activity and scar size were compared after 3 months and after 5 years.

RESULTS

Surgical parameters of the duration of insertion- and removal-surgery, the need for postoperative casting and scar size were significantly better for Minimally Invasive Reduction and Osteosynthesis System. All osteosynthesis systems maintained radiographically fracture alignment at three months and 5 years follow-up. Clinical status regarding pain, grip strength difference, and return to recreational activities were not significantly different. The complication rates were nonsignificant, but MIROS had moderate severe complications of refractures, while mild complications occurred when operated on with Kirschner Wires/Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nails. Our study was sufficiently powered at 3 months, but the comparisons are suggestive at 5 years.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Minimally Invasive Reduction and Osteosynthesis System is not significantly different to other surgical methods in radiological outcomes for forearm fractures in children. Minimally Invasive Reduction and Osteosynthesis System has the clinical benefit of omitting casting after surgery, obtaining reduced scar size, and shorter insertion and removal time without general anesthesia. However, moderately severe complications occurred.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level II-a prospective comparative study.

Do We Need to Stabilize All Reduced Metaphyseal Both-bone Forearm Fractures in Children with K-wires?

BACKGROUND

Short-term follow-up studies have shown that reduced metaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures in children should be treated with K-wires to prevent redisplacement and inferior functional results. Minimum 5-year follow-up studies are limited. Range of motion, patient-reported outcome measures, and radiographic parameters at minimum 5-year follow-up should be evaluated because they could change insights into how to treat pediatric metaphyseal forearm fractures.

QUESTIONS/PURPOSES

(1) Does K-wire stabilization of reduced metaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures in children provide better forearm rotation at minimum 5-year follow-up? (2) Do malunions (untreated redisplaced fractures) of reduced metaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures in children induce worse functional results? (3) Which factors lead to limited forearm rotation at minimum 5-year follow-up?

METHODS

We analyzed the extended minimum 5-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial in which children with a reduced metaphyseal both-bone forearm fracture were randomized to either an above-elbow cast (casting group) or fixation with K-wires and an above-elbow cast (K-wire group). Between January 2006 and December 2010, 128 patients were included in the original randomized controlled trial: 67 in the casting group and 61 in the K-wire group. For the current study, based on an a priori calculation, it was determined that, with an anticipated mean limitation in prosupination (forearm rotation) of 7° ± 7° in the casting group and 3° ± 5° in the K-wire group, a power of 80% and a significance of 0.05, the two groups should consist of 50 patients each. Between January 2014 and May 2016, 82% (105 of 128) of patients were included, with a mean follow-up of 6.8 ± 1.4 years: 54 in the casting group and 51 in the K-wire group. At trauma, patients had a mean age of 9 ± 3 years and had mean angulations of the radius and ulna of 25° ± 14° and 23° ± 18°, respectively. The primary result was limitation in forearm rotation. Secondary outcome measures were radiologic assessment, patient-reported outcome measures (QuickDASH and ABILHAND-kids), handgrip strength, and VAS score for cosmetic appearance. Assessments were performed by the first author (unblinded). Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze which factors led to a clinically relevant limitation in forearm rotation.

RESULTS

There was a mean limitation in forearm rotation of 5° ± 11° in the casting group and 5° ± 8° in the K-wire group, with a mean difference of 0.3° (95% CI -3° to 4°; p = 0.86). Malunions occurred more often in the casting group than in the K-wire group: 19% (13 of 67) versus 7% (4 of 61) with an odds ratio of 0.22 for K-wiring (95% CI 0.06 to 0.80; p = 0.02). In patients in whom a malunion occurred (malunion group), there was a mean limitation in forearm rotation of 6° ± 16° versus 5° ± 9° in patients who did not have a malunion (acceptable alignment group), with a mean difference 0.8° (95% CI -5° to 7°; p = 0.87). Factors associated with a limited forearm rotation ≥ 20° were a malunion after above-elbow casting (OR 5.2 [95% CI 1.0 to 27]; p = 0.045) and a refracture (OR 7.1 [95% CI 1.4 to 37]; p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

At a minimum of 5 years after injury, in children with a reduced metaphyseal both-bone forearm fracture, there were no differences in forearm rotation, patient-reported outcome measures, or radiographic parameters between patients treated with only an above-elbow cast compared with those treated with additional K-wire fixation. Redisplacements occurred more often if treated by an above-elbow cast alone. If fracture redisplacement is not treated promptly, this leads to a malunion, which is a risk factor for a clinically relevant (≥ 20°) limitation in forearm rotation at minimum 5-year follow-up. Children with metaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures can be treated with closed reduction and casting without additional K-wire fixation. Nevertheless, a clinician should inform parents and patient about the high risk of fracture redisplacement (and therefore malunion), with risk for limited forearm rotation if left untreated. Weekly radiographic monitoring is essential. If redisplacement occurs, remanipulation and fixation with K-wires should be considered based on gender, age, and direction of angulation. Future research is required to establish the influence of (skeletal) age, gender, and the direction of malunion angulation on clinical outcome.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

Level I, therapeutic study.

Incidence and risk factors for redisplacement after closed reduction and instant rigid cast immobilization for paediatric distal radius fractures: a case control study

Abstract

Background

The aim of this study is to record the incidence of redisplacement after closed reduction and instant rigid cast immobilization and to identify possible risk factors that may be associated with the redisplacement.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed paediatric patients who underwent closed reduction and instant rigid cast immobilization for simple distal radius fractures from 2014 to 2018. Patients were followed up at 1 week, 2 weeks, 3 weeks, and 6 weeks after casting. Redisplacement was diagnosed on the basis of image findings. Risk factors for redisplacement were evaluated in three aspects, which included patient-related, fracture-related, and cast-related factors.

Results

A total of 123 children were included in this study. During follow-up, 31 patients (25.2%) showed redisplacement after closed reduction and cast immobilization. Twenty-two redisplacements happened within 1 week after treatment, 8 redisplacements happened between 1 and 2 weeks, and only one redisplacement happened after 2 weeks. In the multivariate analysis, associated ulna fracture (OR, 4.278; 95% CI, 1.773–10.320), initial translation ≥ 50% (OR, 9.148; 95% CI, 3.587–23.332), and 3-point index ≥ 0.40 (OR, 1.280; 95% CI, 1.159–1.401) were three independent factors that correlated with the incidence of redisplacement during follow-up.

Conclusions

About a quarter of paediatric patients would develop redisplacement after reduction and immobilization with instant rigid cast. Patients with associated ulna fracture, severe initial translation, and high 3-point index have a higher risk to develop redisplacement.

The evolution of hand function during remodelling in nonreduced angulated paediatric forearm fractures: a prospective cohort study

Forearm fractures are very common orthopaedic injuries in children. Most of these fractures are forgiving due to the unique and excellent remodelling capacity of the juvenile skeleton. However, significant evidence stating the limits of acceptable angulations and taking functional outcome into consideration is scarce. The aim of this study is, therefore, to get a first impression of the remodelling capacity in nonreduced paediatric forearm fractures based on radiological and functional outcome. Children aged 0-14 years with a traumatic angular deformation of the radius or both the radius and ulna, treated conservatively without reduction, were included in this prospective cohort study. Radiographs were taken and functional outcome was assessed at five fixed follow-up appointments throughout a period of one year. Outcome measurements comprised radiographic angular alignment, grip strength and wrist mobility. A total of 26 children (aged 3-13 years) with a traumatic angulation of the forearm were included. Mean dorsal angulation at the time of presentation amounted to 12° (5-18) and diminished after one year to a mean angulation of 4° (0-13). Grip strength, pronation and supination were significantly diminished compared to the unaffected hand up to 6 months after injury. After one year, no significant differences in function between the affected and the unaffected arm were found. Nonreduced angulated paediatric forearm fractures have the potential to remodel in time and have good radiographic and functional outcome one year after trauma, where pronation and grip strength take the longest to recover.

Palmar approach with Kirschner-wire fixation in the treatment of children's distal radius extension type fracture

PURPOSE

To explore the advantages of palmar approach with Kirschner-wire (K-wire) fixation in the treatment of children's distal radius extension type fracture.

METHODS

Thirty patients, average age of 8.5 years ranging from 5 to 13 years, with distal radius extension type fracture and undergoing a failed manual reposition in our hospital were included, and treated by palmar approach with K-wire fixation between May 2014 and December 2017. Among these patients (21 male and 9 female), 5 patients had chronic injuries over 10 days, and 6 patients had fracture of the distal radius epiphysis. The time between injury and treatment ranged from 1 to 30 days. Among them, 11 patients with right-sided fractures and 19 patients with left-sided fractures were operated via the palmar longitudinal incision approach.

RESULTS

The results were evaluated after an average of 18 months ranging from 5 to 36 months after operation. The recovery time of fracture was from 4 to 8 weeks and all incisions were primary healing with an average of 6 weeks. Nonunion, delayed union, early closure of distal radial epiphysis, and wrist varus/valgus deformity were not found in all the cases. Based on Gartland and Wereley wrist score assessment undertaken three months after operation, excellent scores were achieved in 24 cases, good scores in 3 cases, acceptable scores in 3 cases.

CONCLUSION

The palmar approach with K-wire fixation via a front longitudinal incision in the treatment of children's distal radius extension type fracture has following advantages: (1) easy to reposition for both fresh and old fractures; (2) less damage to surrounding tissues and epiphysis; (3) quick recovery. It is suitable to treat children's distal radius extension type fracture.

When is it ok to use a splint versus cast and what remodeling can one expect for common pediatric forearm fractures

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this review is to provide an overview of common pediatric forearm fractures, clarify the descriptions used to identify and thereby appropriately treat them with a splint or cast, and explain osseous remodeling that is unique to the skeletally immature.

RECENT FINDINGS

Recent literature addresses the gap in standard treatment protocols. There is variability in the management of pediatric forearm fractures because of the multiple subspecialty physicians that care for children's fractures and a lack of well established guidelines.

CONCLUSION

The following review will expound upon the assortment of pediatric forearm fractures, address suitable treatment options, and illustrate the expected restoration of bony deformity in an effort to update practitioners of the most recent advances in research and clinical practice of this common orthopedic injury.