Remodeling capacity and functional outcome of palmarly versus dorsally displaced pediatric radius fractures in the distal one-third.
BACKGROUND
The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the remodeling capacity and functional outcome of palmarly and dorsally displaced pediatric radius fractures in the distal one-third.


METHODS
Fifty-three children with a residual dorsal angulation of 15 degrees (range 10 degrees -28 degrees, +/-SD 5.32) and 31 children with a residual palmar angulation of 15 degrees (range 10 degrees -30 degrees, +/-SD 4.88) at fracture healing were re-examined clinically and radiologically with a median follow-up time of 10 years (range 5-15 years).


RESULTS
There was no difference in the remodeling capacity, palmar tilt, radial inclination, and ulnar variance between both groups at follow-up. Pain as well as flexion/extension of the wrist and pronation showed no difference in both groups. Palmarly displaced fractures showed a significantly higher restriction of supination ( p=0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
We conclude that remodeling of residual palmar angulation occurs to the same extent as it does in dorsal angulation. Functional outcome differs in forearm supination.
Zimmermann
Robert
R
Department of Trauma Surgery and Sports Medicine, University of Innsbruck, Anichstrasse 35, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria. Robert.Zimmermann@uklibk.ac.at
Gschwentner
Martin
M
Pechlaner
Sigurd
S
Gabl
Markus
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000367:Age Factors; D016723:Bone Remodeling; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D017102:Fracture Healing / Q000502:physiology; D006132:Growth Plate / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D015601:Injury Severity Score; D004204:Joint Dislocations / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D011336:Probability; D011403:Pronation / Q000502:physiology; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D018570:Risk Assessment; D013484:Supination / Q000502:physiology; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014954:Wrist Injuries / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000628:therapy*