Elastic intramedullary nailing: A minimally invasive concept in the treatment of unstable forearm fractures in children

The standard treatment in forearm fractures in children is usually conserva tive. Unstable fractures of the proximal parts of the forearm often show po or results after nonoperative management so that these fractures usually re quire surgical intervention. We report 30 children (ages, 4-14 years) who w ere treated by elastic intramedullary nailing. Sixteen patients were treate d by intramedullary splinting immediately after their accident; 14 children required intramedullary nailing after failure of conservative treatment an d fracture redisplacement. At the time of follow-up 6 months later, functio nal results were excellent in 24 children, good in five children, and fair in one child. There were no serious complications other than one delayed un ion. According to these results intramedullary nailing can be recommended f or the treatment of unstable fractures of the proximal and middle thirds of the forearm in children.