TRAUMATIC ULNAR PHYSEAL ARREST AFTER DISTAL FOREARM FRACTURES IN CHILDREN

A review of the orthopaedic literature suggests that traumatic ulnar p hyseal arrest associated with radial fracture is a rare occurrence. Tw enty-three cases of traumatic ulnar physeal arrest have been reported in patients with distal radius fractures, and we report five additiona l cases. A classification system for the distal ulnar growth deformiti es is proposed, and the compensatory radial changes are reviewed. Surg ical indications for treatment include cosmetic deformity, progressive carpal subluxation, and decreased range of motion. Surgical options f or treatment are discussed and include epiphysiodesis, ulnar lengtheni ng, radial osteotomy, and the Suave-Kapandji procedure.