Paediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures: Is titanium elastic nailing a safe option?

Abstract

Paediatric forearm fractures are common injuries accounting for 40% of all the fractures in children. They are traditionally treated conservatively with casting. However there has been short and long term complications associated with such treatment and in recent times, closed reduction and flexible nailing has shown favourable clinical outcomes. In this prospective study, we evaluated functional outcome in closed forearm diaphyseal fractures of children and adolescents treated with titanium elastic intramedullary nails. All cases achieved bony union at an average of eight weeks and excellent functional outcome without significant complications. Nails were removed under anaesthesia after radiological union. Intramedullary nailing with elastic nails is an effective method of treatment for these unstable diaphyseal fractures of forearm in children and adolescents.