The midterm psychological effect of cast removal procedures in children.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to compare the course of anxiety change in children who used headphones during cast removal with controls in midterm follow-up. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Sixty-six patients who underwent forearm fracture treatment with closed reduction and long arm casting between June 2021 and March 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups based on the use of headphones (n=27; 21 males, 6 females; mean age: 8.0±1.8 years; range, 6 to 12 years) or not (n=39; 27 males, 12 females; mean age: 8.9±1.8 years; range, 6 to 12 years) during cast removal with an oscillating saw. Primary outcome measures included preprocedure, postprocedure, and six-month anxiety assessments with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. RESULTS: There was an acute increase in the mean state anxiety scores after the procedure, which returned to below baseline at the six-month follow-up in the headphone (31.4±8.3, 33.3±8.7, and 25.1±4.1, respectively) and control groups (34.9±11.1, 37.4±9.5, and 27.3±5.3, respectively). The mean trait anxiety scores before the procedure, after the procedure, and at six months remained similar in the headphone (33.6±3.0, 34.6±3.2, and 32.4±2.8; p>0.05) and control groups (34.1±2.7, 33.7±3.0, and 33.7±3.0, p>0.05). CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the acute anxiety during cast removal did not create anxiety sequelae in the sixth month regardless of headphone use.

Buried or exposed Kirschner wire for the management of hand and forearm fractures: A systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression.

BACKGROUND: The recommendation on whether to bury or expose the Kirschner wire (K-wire) for the management of fractures has still been controversial with inconsistent results in the published studies due to the potential issue associated with exposed K-wire is the heightened risk of infection, as it comes into direct contact with the external environment and air. This study aims to summarize the specific outcomes between buried and exposed K-wire for the management of hand and forearm fractures. METHODS: We conducted relevant literature searches on Europe PMC, Medline, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases using specific keywords. This investigation focuses on individuals of any age diagnosed with hand or forearm fractures who underwent surgery involving Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation. It examines the comparison between buried and exposed K-wire fixation, emphasizing primary outcome pin infection, along with secondary outcomes such as early pin removal, days to pin removal, and surgical duration. The study includes observational studies (cohort/case-control) or randomized clinical trials (RCTs). The results of continuous variables were pooled into the standardized mean difference (SMD), while dichotomous variables were pooled into odds ratio (OR) along with 95% confidence intervals using random-effect models. The quality of included studies was assessed with Cochrane Collaborations, Risk of Bias version 2 (RoB v2). RESULTS: A total of 11 studies were included. Our pooled analysis revealed that buried K-wire was associated with a lower risk of pin site infection [RR 0.49 (95% CI 0.36-0.67), p < 0.00001, I2 = 0%] and 33.85 days longer duration until pin removal [MD 33.85 days (95% CI 18.68-49.02), p < 0.0001, I2 = 99%] when compared with exposed K-wire. However, the duration of surgery was 9.98 minutes significantly longer in the buried K-wire [MD 6.98 minutes (95% CI 2.19-11.76), p = 0.004, I2 = 42%] with no significant difference in the early pin removal rate [RR 0.73 (95% CI 0.36-1.45), p = 0.37, I2 = 0%]. Further regression analysis revealed that sample size, age, sex, and duration of follow-up did not affect those relationships. CONCLUSION: Buried K-wire may offer benefits in reducing the infection rate with a longer duration until pin removal. However, further RCTs with larger sample sizes are still needed to confirm the results of our study.

Cat bite injuries to the hand and forearm: the impact of antibiotic treatment on microbiological findings and clinical outcome.

INTRODUCTION: Patients and physicians often underestimate cat bite injuries. The deep and narrow wound seals quickly and provides an environment for the inoculated saliva and bacteria. Interestingly, the literature reports no bacterial growth in the microbiological workup of wound swaps in up to 43%. The time between bite injury and the first clinical presentation, the start of antibiotic treatment and surgical debridement might affect these findings. Therefore, the current project examines if (1) these factors impact the outcome of microbiological results following cat bite injuries and (2) the detection of bacterial growth leads to higher complication rates, longer hospital stays, longer total treatment time, or higher total treatment costs. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This single-center retrospective study analyzed data from 102 adult patients. All patients received antibiotic and surgical treatment following a cat bite injury. Microbiological samples were collected during surgery in all cases. The time from the bite incident to the first presentation, beginning of antibiotic administration, and surgical debridement was calculated. Demographic data, complication rate, length of hospital stay, total treatment time, and total treatment costs were recorded. (1) A generalized linear model was fitted using the microbiological outcome as the dependent variable. (2) Two groups (negative or positive microbiological results) were formed and statistically compared. RESULTS: The median age was 50 (SD 16), and 72% were female. (1) The time from the bite incident to the first clinical presentation, antibiotic administration, or surgical treatment was not associated with the outcome of the microbiological result. (2) No significant differences were observed between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our data do not suggest that early antibiotic administration or delayed surgical treatment affects the outcome of the microbiological workup following cat bite injuries to the hand and forearm. The microbiological outcome did not affect the complication rate, treatment time, and total treatment costs.

Options for Restoring Finger Extension in Mangled Forearm Injuries.

Restoration of finger extension in mutilating hand injuries is crucial for restoring prehension and independent use of the hand. Patients often express desire to restore finger extension once finger flexion is achieved. However, the extensive forearm injury precludes use of any of conventional donors like the wrist or finger flexors for transfer to restore finger extension. Two patients with sequelae of mangled forearm injuries, underwent biceps and long head of triceps transfer to the finger extensors to improve opening up of the fingers. We discuss the treatment considerations while planning these transfers and provide the technical details, rehabilitation and outcome of these patients. Both the patients expressed dramatic improvement of their hand function and were satisfied with the outcome. Biceps and long head of triceps could serve as an effective second-line donor for restoration of finger extension when the conventional donors are not available. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Evaluation of surgical or conservative treatment of forearm fracture in pediatric floating elbow injuries.

OBJECTIVE: Floating elbow, which refers to a humerus fracture in the supracondylar region and a forearm fracture, is a very unusual injury. The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical results of patients with "floating elbows" who underwent surgical therapy and who were given forearm immobilization with a splint as follow-up care. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Fifteen patients who had been diagnosed with floating elbow owing to trauma were scanned retrospectively and followed up for at least a year. Eight individuals who suffered from broken forearms underwent surgical repair. After initial treatment, a lengthy arm splint was used to immobilize seven patients' arms. The modified Flynn criteria were used to analyze the data, and comparisons were made between the groups. RESULTS: The median age and mean follow-up time for patients whose forearms were conservatively followed was 6.1 years and 13.8 months, respectively. The median age of the patients who underwent forearm surgery was 8.5 years, and the average follow-up was 14.2 months. Five of the seven patients whose forearms underwent conservative follow-up had outstanding clinical outcomes, while two had poor and moderate outcomes. Four individuals who got surgical treatment for their forearms had excellent and good clinical outcomes, while the other four had intermediate and poor outcomes. Between the two groups, there was no discernible difference (p = 0.60). CONCLUSIONS: In the pediatric population with floating elbow injuries, using a cast for forearm fractures may not necessarily result in worse outcomes compared to surgical management.

Therapeutic approaches of diametaphyseal radius fractures in children.

BACKGROUND: There are clear standards for when to operate on both distal epiphyseal and diaphyseal forearm fractures in children. However, paediatric surgeons are often faced with fractures in the transition zone between metaphysis and diaphysis. This aim of the study is to compare different treatment approaches for diametaphyseal forearm fractures, to classify different types of these fractures, and to define further assessment parameters and treatment recommendations. METHODS: This retrospective study included all patients with diametaphyseal radial fractures who were seen at a paediatric surgery clinic between 01.01.2010 and 31.12.2013. Patients were treated either non-surgically (C) or surgically using bicortical Kirschner wire (BC-KW), intramedullary K-wire (IM-KW), elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN), or combined bicortical and intramedullary K-wire (BCIM-KW). RESULTS: During the study period, 547 patients presented with forearm fractures of which 88 patients (16%) had a fracture in the diametaphyseal region. The majority of diametaphyseal fractures were greenstick fractures (54.4%) followed by transverse fractures (44.3%). Distal fractures were predominantly treated with bicortical K-wiring (BC-KW, 40.5%) or non-surgically (C, 26.2%). Proximal fractures were treated by ESIN osteosynthesis (50%), followed by IM-KW (30%). Intermediate fractures were just as likely to be treated with one out of the 5 above-mentioned techniques. The ulna was involved in 64 of 88 cases. Depending on the type of fracture, it was treated either by ESIN osteosynthesis or non-surgically. No superior operative technique was identified. CONCLUSIONS: The description of diametaphyseal fractures as a separate entity is important, because the therapy of these fractures is heterogeneous and challenging. A classification into proximal, intermediate, and distal may be useful in clinical decision-making. Despite the retrospective nature of this study, our data suggest that the use of a K-wire or combined technique BCIM-KW-technique, whenever technically feasible, achieves better radiological results without secondary dislocation. Further prospective studies are needed to provide better guidance to trauma surgeons.

An age-matched comparative study on intramedullary nailing and plate fixation of both-bone diaphyseal forearm fracture in adolescents.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare radiological and functional outcomes and complication rates between intramedullary nailing (IMN) and plate fixation for diaphyseal forearm fractures in adolescents via an age-matched analysis. METHODS: Data were collected from medical records at 11 hospitals from 2009 to 2019, and the age-matched study was conducted between IMN and plate fixation. Functional outcomes, radiographic outcomes, and postoperative complication rates were compared. RESULTS: The IMN group (Group N) and plate fixation group (Group P) each comprised 26 patients after age matching. The mean age after matching was 13.42 years old. Bone maturities at the wrist of the radius and ulna were not significantly different between the two groups (p = 0.764 and p = 1). At the last follow-up period, functional outcomes using the Price criteria were over 90% in both groups, and the rotational range of motion was comparable to that of the healthy side. Over 70% of cases in Group N were performed by closed reduction, and operation time was half that of Group P. Postoperative neurological symptoms and refractures were more common in Group P than in Group N, although not statistically significantly so. CONCLUSIONS: Treatment outcomes for age-matched adolescent diaphyseal forearm fractures were excellent with IMN, as well as with plate fixation in many cases despite fewer complications, better cosmesis, and shorter operative times with IMN. IMN for diaphyseal forearm fractures is a useful treatment option even in adolescents although the indications for the best procedure to perform should be considered depending on individual patient needs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE IV: Multicenter retrospective study.

Time to surgery and outcomes following open reduction and internal fixation of both-bone forearm fractures.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of time to surgery on outcomes following open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) of both-bone forearm fractures (BBFFs). METHODS: Ninety-nine patients who underwent ORIF of BBFFs in a single academic medical center over a 16-year time period were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic and clinical data including age, sex, current smoking status, time from injury to surgery (tsurg), presence of open injury, polytrauma status, and complications were obtained. Radiographs of the affected extremity were reviewed for fracture morphology, reduction quality, and time to union (or presence of nonunion). In addition to descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests were used to compare categorical and interval, respectively, with a significance level of 0.05. RESULTS: A tsurg > 48 h was associated with increased rate of delayed unions (tsurg < 48 h: 25% vs tsurg > 48 h: 59%, p = 0.03), but not complications (tsurg < 48 h: 44% vs tsurg > 48 h: 47%, p = 0.79). Open BBFFs were not associated with increased rates of delayed unions (closed: 16% vs open: 19%, p = 0.77) or complications (closed: 42% vs open: 53%, p = 0.29). A trend toward increased time to union with tsurg > 48 h was also seen, but did not reach significance (tsurg < 48 h: 13.5 weeks vs tsurg > 48 h: 15.7 weeks, p = 0.11). CONCLUSION: A tsurg > 48 h is associated with an increased rate of delayed union, but not complications, after ORIF of BBFFs. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level III (Retrospective Cohort).

Complications and Revision Surgery of Forearm Fractures.

Nonunion or malunion of forearm fractures may result in restricted range of motion or persistent pain, leading to limitations in activities of daily living. Complications may also present in the form of ectopic bone growth or persistent infections. A systematic method to evaluate complications resulting from forearm fractures is helpful to both determine the cause for the failure and plan for adequate reconstruction.

Is an Orthopaedic Surgery Resident's Previous Case Experience Associated with Success of Initial Treatment of Pediatric Forearm Fractures?

Redisplacement and subsequent intervention are common for pediatric forearm fractures. We investigated associations between the success of closed reduction and the treating provider's experience. We identified patients aged 4-16 years with forearm fractures treated by closed reduction and cast immobilization. Clinical data and radiographs of 130 patients treated by 30 residents were reviewed to determine the treating resident's pediatric forearm fracture reduction experience and the incidence of initial treatment failure (ITF). ITF was defined as subsequent intervention before union or malunion. ITF occurred in 32 of 130 patients (25%), comprising 12 of 23 patients (52%) treated by residents with no previous experience and 20 of 107 patients (19%) treated by residents who had logged ≥ 1 previous reduction (odds ratio, 4.7). ITF was more likely to occur in pediatric forearm fractures treated by residents with no previous forearm reduction experience compared with those performed by residents who had such experience. Level of Evidence: Level III, therapeutic. (Journal of Surgical Orthopaedic Advances 32(1):032-035, 2023).

Ballistic diaphyseal forearm fractures result in high incidence of neurovascular injury and compartment syndrome but have low rates of early infection: A single level I trauma center experience.

INTRODUCTION: Ballistic injuries to the upper extremity represent a small subset of injuries, and there is little data to provide guidance on management and outcomes. The purpose of this study is to assess the incidence of neurovascular injuries, compartment syndrome, and early postoperative infection, as well as patient and injury factors predictive of neurovascular injury following ballistic fractures of the forearm. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective review of operatively treated ballistic forearm fractures at a single level I trauma center between 2010 and 2022 was performed. Thirty-three patients with 36 forearm fractures were identified. Only diaphyseal injuries in patients greater than 18 years old were included. Medical and radiographic records were reviewed to identify pre-injury patient-specific factors, including age, sex, smoking status, and history of diabetes. Injury characteristics, including the type of firearm used, forearm fracture location, and any associated neurologic or vascular injury, as well as compartment syndrome, were collected and analyzed. Short-term outcomes such as post-operative infection and recovery of neurologic function were also collected and analyzed. RESULTS: The median age was 27 years (range: 18-62), with a majority of male patients (78.8%, n = 26). 4 patients (12.1%) sustained high-energy injuries. 4 patients (12.1%) were found to have compartment syndrome pre-operatively or intra-operatively. 11 patients (33.3%) had nerve palsies postoperatively with 8 patients (24.2%) continuing to have nerve palsies at their final follow-up (mean follow-up= 149.9 +/- 187.2 days). The median length of stay was 4 days. There were no patients with infection at follow-up. CONCLUSION: Ballistic forearm fractures are complex injuries and can result in severe complications such as neurovascular injury and compartment syndrome. As such, a comprehensive evaluation and appropriate management of ballistic forearm fractures are essential to minimize the risk of severe complications and optimize patient outcomes. In our experience, when treated operatively, these injuries have a low rate of infection.

The Risk of Nerve Injury in Pediatric Forearm Fractures.

UPDATE: This article was updated on July 19, 2023, because of a previous error, which was discovered after the preliminary version of the article was posted online. On page 1080, in the last sentence of the Results section of the Abstract, the text that had read "0.05% (4 of 777)" now reads "0.5% (4 of 777)." BACKGROUND: The risk of fracture-related nerve injury associated with forearm fractures in children is unknown. The purposes of the present study were to calculate the risk of fracture-related nerve injury and to report the institutional rate of complications of surgical treatment of pediatric forearm fractures. METHODS: Four thousand, eight hundred and sixty-eight forearm fractures (ICD-10 codes S52.0 to S52.7) that had been treated in our tertiary level pediatric hospital between 2014 and 2021 were identified in our institutional fracture registry. Of these, 3,029 fractures occurred in boys and 53 were open fractures. Sex, age at injury, trauma mechanism and energy, fracture type, treatment method, and cause and type of nerve injury were assessed in 43 patients with 44 registered nerve injuries. Patients with nerve injuries were reevaluated to calculate the recovery time. Univariable and multivariable regression analyses were performed to determine the risk of nerve injury. RESULTS: The risk of a fracture-related nerve injury was 0.7% (33 of 4,868). Only 2 injuries were permanent; thus, the risk of permanent nerve injury associated with a forearm fracture was 0.04% (2 of 4,868). The ulnar nerve was affected in 19 cases; the median nerve, in 8; and the radial nerve, in 7. In cases of open fracture, the risk of nerve injury was 17% (9 of 53). Open fractures had an OR of 33.73 (95% CI, 14.97 to 70.68) on univariate analysis and an OR of 10.73 (95% CI 4.50 to 24.22) on multivariate analysis with adjustment for female sex and both-bone diaphyseal fracture. Both-bone diaphyseal fracture (ICD-10 code S52.4) had an OR of 9.01 (95% CI, 4.86 to 17.37) on univariate analysis and an OR of 9.98 (95% CI 5.32 to 19.47) on multivariate analysis with adjustment for age and female sex. Overall, 777 fractures were internally fixed. The risk of nerve injury as a complication of internal fixation was 1.3% (10 of 777). Four of these iatrogenic injuries (including 2 involving the median nerve, 1 involving the ulnar nerve, and 1 involving the radial nerve) were permanent; thus, the risk of permanent nerve injury as a complication of internal fixation was 0.5% (4 of 777). CONCLUSIONS: Nerve injury following a pediatric forearm fracture is rare and has an excellent potential for spontaneous recovery. In the present study, all of the permanent nerve injuries occurred in association with open fractures or as a complication of internal fixation. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic Level III . See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Seven-year Outcomes of Adolescent Forearm Fractures Treated With Plate Fixation.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric forearm fractures are common injuries and can sometimes require surgical treatment. Few studies have evaluated the long-term outcomes of pediatric forearm fracture plating. We evaluated long-term functional outcomes and satisfaction in children with forearm fractures treated with plate fixation. METHODS: We performed a single-institution case series at a pediatric level 1 trauma center. Inclusion criteria were: patients with radius and/or ulna diaphyseal fractures, index surgery at 18 years of age or younger, plate fixation, and a minimum of 2 years follow-up. We surveyed patients with the QuickDASH outcome measure and supplemented this with functional outcomes and satisfaction questions. Demographics and surgery characteristics were obtained from the electronic medical record. RESULTS: A total of 41 patients met the eligibility criteria, of whom 17 completed the survey with a mean follow-up of 7.2 ± 1.4 years. The mean age at index surgery was 13.1 ± 3.6 years (range, 4 to 17), with 65% males. All patients reported at least one symptom, with aching (41%) and pain (35%) occurring most frequently. There were 2 complications (12%), including one infection and one compartment syndrome treated with fasciotomy. Hardware removal occurred in 29% of patients. There were no refractures. The mean QuickDASH score was 7.7 ± 11.9, with an occupation module score of 1.6 ± 3.9 and a sports/performing arts module score of 12.0 ± 19.7. The mean surgery satisfaction was 92% and scar satisfaction was 75%. All patients returned to prior activities and 88% reported a return to their preoperative baseline level of function. CONCLUSIONS: Plate fixation for pediatric forearm fractures achieves osseous union but not without the potential for long-term sequelae. All patients reported residual symptoms 7 years later. Scar satisfaction and return to baseline function were imperfect. Patient education for long-term outcomes of surgery is essential, especially in the transition to adulthood. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, therapeutic study.

The 3D-Printed Titanium Truss Cage for the Treatment of Concurrent Complex Malunion, Synostosis and Large Bone Defect Following Forearm Injuries: A Case Report.

A 28-year-old man sustained a complex forearm injury from high-energy trauma, causing ulnar nerve injury, a bone defect, forearm malunion and synostosis. A 3D-printed titanium truss cage was used to solve these problems. This patient achieved union of the bone defect, was pain-free and had no recurrent synostosis 2 years after reconstructive surgery. The advantages of the 3D-printed titanium truss cage included anatomical fit, immediate mobilisation and low morbidity of the donor side of the bone graft. This study reported a promising result from using 3D-printed titanium truss cages to manage complex forearm bony problems. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Subsequent Forearm Fractures Following Initial Surgical Fixation.

INTRODUCTION: Forearm fractures are a common pediatric injury. Currently, there is no consensus on treatment for fractures that recur following initial surgical fixation. The objective of this study was to investigate the subsequent fracture rate and patterns and describe the treatment of these forearm fractures. METHODS: We retrospectively identified patients who underwent surgical treatment for an initial forearm fracture at our institution between 2011 and 2019. Patients were included if they sustained a diaphyseal or metadiaphyseal forearm fracture that was initially treated surgically with a plate and screw construct (plate) or elastic stable intramedullary nail (ESIN), and if they subsequently sustained another fracture that was treated at our institution. RESULTS: A total of 349 forearm fractures were treated surgically with ESIN or a plate fixation. Of these, 24 sustained another fracture, yielding a subsequent fracture rate of 10.9% for the plate cohort and 5.1% for the ESIN cohort ( P =0.056). The majority of plate refractures (90%) occurred at the proximal or distal plate edge, while 79% of the fractures treated previously with ESINs occurred at the initial fracture site ( P <0.001). Ninety percent of plate refractures required revision surgery, with 50% underwent plate removal and conversion to ESIN, and 40% underwent revision plating. Within the ESIN cohort, 64% were treated nonsurgically, 21% underwent revision ESINs, and 14% underwent revision plating. Tourniquet time for revision surgeries were shorter for the ESIN cohort (46 vs. 92 min; P =0.012). In both cohorts, all revision surgeries had no complications and healed with evidence of radiographic union. However, 9 patients (37.5%) underwent implant removal (3 plates and 6 ESINs) after subsequent fracture healing. CONCLUSIONS: This is the first study to characterize subsequent forearm fractures following both ESIN and plate fixation and to describe and compare treatment options. Consistent with the literature, refractures following surgical fixation of pediatric forearm fractures may occur at a rate ranging from 5% to 11%. ESINs are both less invasive at the time of initial surgery and can often be treated nonoperatively if there is a subsequent fracture, while plate refractures are more likely to be treated with a second surgery and have a longer average surgery time. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV-retrospective case series.

Management of Complex Forearm Injuries: Our Strategy of Reconstruction and Clinical Results.

ABSTRACT: The management of complex forearm injuries is challenging, not only because of the anatomical complexity of the region but also because of the dramatic functional consequences of these injuries. Preservation of the upper limb and restoration of hand function are the focus of the surgical management of these injuries. Decision making will consider several parameters such as the type of injury, the patient, the moment of reconstruction, the debridement, and the options available for reconstruction.A multidisciplinary approach joining plastic surgeons and orthopedic surgeons in a team effort is essential to achieve the best outcomes. On the basis of their experience, the authors conclude that the keystone in complex forearm injuries management is represented by a careful assessment of the lesions, an aggressive and early debridement, the prevention of complications such as infection and compartment syndrome, and an "as early as possible" reconstruction.

Longer time of implantation using the buried pin technique for intramedullary nailing would decrease refracture in the diaphyseal forearm fracture in children-retrospective multicenter (TRON) study.

BACKGROUND: Intramedullary nailing using Kirschner wires in pediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures is often performed as a less invasive treatment than plate fixation, but it remains controversial whether the tips of Kirschner wires are buried or exposed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between whether the tips are buried or exposed and complications, especially of refracture. METHODS: Data of 405 patients under 16 years who underwent surgical treatment for diaphyseal forearm fractures in our 11 hospitals between 2010 and 2020 were collected. Finally, 143 patients who underwent intramedullary nailing with at least 6-month follow-up were analyzed. We investigated difference in complication rates depending on whether the Kirschner wire tips were buried (Group B: n = 79) or exposed (Group E: n = 64). Regarding refractures, we also examined time of onset and status of bone union before the refracture occurred. RESULTS: The duration before implant removal in Group B was more than 4 times longer than that in Group E (mean 187.9 vs. 41.4 days, p<0.001), although there was no significant difference in the progression of bone union between the two groups. Regarding postoperative complications, Group B had a significantly lower rate of refractures than Group E (7.9% vs. 32.8%, p<0.001), although the rate of irritation pain was significantly higher (15.2% vs. 1.6%, p = 0.006). The infection rate was also lower in Group B than Group E, but not significantly so (3.8% vs. 10.9%, p = 0.112). Refractures between 3 and 9 months after surgery accounted for 66.7% of all refractures, and those within 3 months accounted for 14.5% of all fractures. There was no significant difference in the status of bone union before the refracture occurred between patients with and without refracture. CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that longer time of implantation using the buried pin technique for intramedullary nailing reduces refracture of pediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures. Because of the risk of refracture during remodeling, we recommend the implantation of intramedullary nailing for 6-9 months and the instruction for the patients and the parents to pay more attention to refracture at least within 9 months postoperatively. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level Ⅲ, Multicenter retrospective study.

Risk Factors for Failure of Closed Forearm Fracture Reduction in the Pediatric Emergency Department.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore risk factors for failure of forearm fracture closed reduction in the pediatric emergency department (ED) and to suggest indications for initial surgery. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included all patients aged 0 to 18 years who presented to our pediatric ED with an extraarticular forearm fracture treated with closed reduction between May 2017 and April 2021. We explored risk factors for procedural failure, defined as a need for surgical intervention within 6 weeks of the closed reduction attempt. RESULTS: Of 375 patients (median age 8.1 years, 294 [78.2%] boys), 44 (11.7%) patients sustained a reduction failure, of whom 42 (95.5%) had both radius and ulna fractures. Of the 259 patients with fractures of both bones, the following parameters were independent predictors for reduction failure: refracture (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 17.6, P < 0.001), open fracture (aOR 10.1, P = 0.007), midshaft fracture (aOR 2.6, P = 0.004), radial translation rate 37% and higher in either plane (aOR 5.1, P = 0.004), and age of 10 years and older (aOR 2.9, P = 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Most pediatric forearm fractures can be successfully managed by closed reduction in the ED. Two-bone fractures had the strongest association with reduction failure. Refracture, open fracture, midshaft location, initial radius bone translation of 37% and higher (and not initial angulation), and patient age of 10 years and older are independent risk factors for reduction failure in two-bone fractures. We propose a risk score for reduction failure that can serve as a decision-making tool.

Preoperative Three-Dimensional Simulation of Osteotomy for Correction of Malunion of Both Bones of Forearm: A Case Report.

Corrective osteotomy of malunion of both forearm bones is a challenging procedure because it needs accurate angular and rotational correction of both bones. Recent advances in three-dimensional (3D) printing techniques have shown promising results in the correction of complex deformities. We report a patient with malunion of both bones of the forearm in whom we determined site and degree of correction required based on the computed tomography images of the affected side and mirrored images of the contralateral healthy side. We then created 3D printed sawbones and simulated osteotomy to confirm stable dynamic forearm rotation. This method enabled satisfactory restoration of anatomical and functional outcomes. Preoperative dynamic motion simulation using 3D printed anatomic bone model is helpful for complex corrective osteotomy of forearm fracture malunion. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic).

Severe spaghetti wrist injury: Should we expand the terminology from wrist to proximal forearm?

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to point out the key principles for the management of multicomponent soft tissue injuries of the wrist and forearm to discuss whether we should expand the term "spaghetti" from the wrist to forearm in such terrifying cases. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Data from a total of 50 patients (44 males, 6 females; mean age: 48.5±25.7 years; range, 10 to 70 years) who were treated for multicomponent soft tissue injuries of the wrist and forearm, including at least one major artery and one major nerve, between February 2020 and December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into the wrist injury group (n=30) and forearm injury group (n=20) according to the location of laceration. Demographic characteristics, including age, sex ratio and mechanism and side of injury, total lacerated structures, and outcomes, including tendon function, opposition, intrinsic muscle function, deformities, sensation and grip strength were evaluated. RESULTS: In the wrist injury group, a mean of 12.27±3.53 structures at the volar side were injured. It took a mean time of 1.8±0.4 h for emergency surgical repair and, after a mean of 16.6±5.3 month follow-up, most patients received excellent/good outcomes in the six aspects. In the forearm injury group, a mean of 12.95±2.96 structures at the volar side were injured. It took an average time of 2.1±0.4 h for emergency surgical repair and, after a mean of 15.4±6.4 month follow-up, most patients received excellent/good outcomes and were satisfied with the functional recovery. Only surgical time (p=0.018) and final grip strength (p=0.023) between the two groups showed a statistically significant difference. CONCLUSION: We propose to merge the severe wrist and proximal forearm laceration of multiple tendons/muscles with at least one major artery and one major nerve as a whole, namely the spaghetti-ketchup injury, since the laceration of wrist and that of proximal forearm in this study share similar mechanisms and outcomes after primary repair or reconstruction.