Treatment of diaphyseal forearm fractures in children by intramedullary Kirschner wires.
BACKGROUND
This article presents a retrospective analysis of a case series of diaphyseal forearm fractures in children treated with intramedullary Kirschner wires (K-wires).


METHODS
Seventy-four diaphyseal forearm fractures in children (63 male subjects and 11 female subjects) with a mean age of 11 years (range, 4-15 years) were treated with percutaneous intramedullary K-wires. Under fluoroscopic control, a standard K-wire (diameter, 1.5-2.0 mm, depending on the age) was introduced into the distal radial metaphysis, proximal to the epiphysis. The K-wire was then advanced proximally across the fracture. For the ulna, the wire was introduced antegrade from the proximal end. The tip of the K-wire was prebent to 30 degrees to facilitate closed reduction of the displaced fracture.


RESULTS
All fractures healed between 6 and 10 weeks with minimum complications and excellent clinical results.


CONCLUSIONS
This surgical technique is convenient, effective, and safe for treating displaced diaphyseal forearm fractures in children.
Department of Orthopaedics, King Khalid Hospital, P.O. Box 1120, Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. shakeel_dr@yahoo.com
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Qidwai
D000293:Adolescent; D001864:Bone Wires; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary; D005598:Fractures, Spontaneous / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D014458:Ulna Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*