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.
Qidwai
S A
SA
Department of Orthopaedics, King Khalid Hospital, P.O. Box 1120, Najran, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. shakeel_dr@yahoo.com
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*