title: Delayed union in internal fixation of pediatric both-bone forearm fractures.
abstract: The aim of this study was to retrospectively determine the risk factors for delayed union in 117 consecutive pediatric both-bone forearm fractures treated with internal fixation. Eight patients (7%, 8/117) had delayed unions, all were boys treated with intramedullary fixation for a fracture in the middle-third of the bone; and in seven patients, the ulna was the site of the delayed union. Older age, double-bone fixation, increased initial fracture displacement, and opening a closed ulna fracture were associated with longer time to union (P<0.05). Identification of risk factors will aid in the selection and duration of internal fixation and duration of immobilization.
authors: Children's Medical Center, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children, University of Texas Southwestern Medical School, Dallas, Texas 75235, USA. christine.ho@childrens.com
authors: Christine A
authors: CA
authors: Ho
authors: Douglas L
authors: DL
authors: Jarvis
authors: James R
authors: JR
authors: Phelps
authors: Philip L
authors: PL
authors: Wilson
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000209:etiology*; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery; D012307:Risk Factors; D014458:Ulna Fractures / Q000150:complications* / Q000601:surgery