Refractures of the radius and ulna in children

Seven hundred and sixty-eight children with displaced forearm fractures req uiring reduction were studied retrospectively. Of 38 refractures (incidence 4.9%), 34 occurred within nine months at the original fracture site. The m edian time to refracture was eight weeks after discontinuing cast immobilis ation. Diaphyseal fractures were eight times more likely to refracture than metaphyseal fractures. The risk of refracture was inversely proportional t o the duration of cast immobilisation. Cast immobilisation for a minimum of six weeks reduces the risk of refracture by a factor of between four and s ix. Midshaft forearm fractures are at risk of refracture for sixteen weeks from cast removal. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.