Single bone intramedullary elastic nailing fixation for treatment of pediatric both bone fracture of the forearm

Objective To evaluate the clinical outcomes of treating pediatric forearm both bone fractures with single bone elastic intramedullary nailing (EIN) fixation.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted of 24 cases of forearm both bone fractures treated with EIN fixation of single bone from January 2008 to December 2012.There were 15 boys and 9 girls with a median age of 9.6 years (range,6 to 13 years).The bone with more obvious fracture displacement was fixed with the EIN.The radius was fixed in 16 cases while in the other 8 cases the ulna was fixed.All had a course of immobilization with long arm cast for 4 weeks.Fracture healing time was determined by X-rays.Forearm functions were evaluated using Price criteria.Results Twenty-one cases were follow-up for 8.4 months (range,6 to 14 months) postoperatively.Three cases were lost to follow-up.All fractures healed.According to the Price criteria,the results were rated as excellent in 14 cases and good in 7 cases.Skin irritation around the nail was found in 2 patients.There were no infections,nonunions,maltmions,or neurovascular injuries.Conclusion Single-bone intramedullary nailing fixation is a minimally invasive and effective treatment for pediatric forearm both bone fractures. Key words: Child;  Ulna fractures;  Radius fractures;  Intramedullary fixation