Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc
Simultaneous ipsilateral humerus and forearm fractures in children
Abstract
Objectives: To evaluate the results of treatment with early reduction and internal fixation for simultaneous ipsilateral distal humeral and forearm fractures in children.
Methods: The study included six patients (1 girl, 5 boys; mean age 11.5 years; range 9 to 13 years) who underwent treatment for ipsilateral humerus distal and forearm fractures. Reduction and fixation of fractures were performed percutaneously or by mini-open incisions. At the end of the follow-up period, patients were evaluated according to the Flynn’s criteria. Radiologic and functional results on the involved side were compared with that of the normal. The mean follow-up period was 35 months (range 24 to 52 months).
Results: According to the Flynn’s criteria, radiologic outcome was perfect in four patients (%67), and good in two (%33); functional results were perfect in three (%50), and good in three patients (%50). There were no significant differences between the two extremities with respect to elbow and wrist range of motion and radiologic parameters of the elbows.
Conclusion: Early anatomic realignment of soft tissues and early active rehabilitation in simultaneous ipsilateral fractures of the distal humerus and forearm are significant factors for a satisfactory outcome. Treatment with early reduction and internal fixation with minimal soft tissue damage seems to be the method of choice in these fractures.
Methods: The study included six patients (1 girl, 5 boys; mean age 11.5 years; range 9 to 13 years) who underwent treatment for ipsilateral humerus distal and forearm fractures. Reduction and fixation of fractures were performed percutaneously or by mini-open incisions. At the end of the follow-up period, patients were evaluated according to the Flynn’s criteria. Radiologic and functional results on the involved side were compared with that of the normal. The mean follow-up period was 35 months (range 24 to 52 months).
Results: According to the Flynn’s criteria, radiologic outcome was perfect in four patients (%67), and good in two (%33); functional results were perfect in three (%50), and good in three patients (%50). There were no significant differences between the two extremities with respect to elbow and wrist range of motion and radiologic parameters of the elbows.
Conclusion: Early anatomic realignment of soft tissues and early active rehabilitation in simultaneous ipsilateral fractures of the distal humerus and forearm are significant factors for a satisfactory outcome. Treatment with early reduction and internal fixation with minimal soft tissue damage seems to be the method of choice in these fractures.