Interlocking intramedullary nail for forearm diaphyseal fractures in adults-A systematic review and meta-analysis of outcomes and complications.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this systematic review is to examine the outcomes, complications, and potential advantages of using anatomical interlocking intramedullary nails (IMN) in the treatment of radius and ulnar shaft diaphyseal fractures in adults. METHODS: Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL) databases were searched between January 2000 and January 2023. Studies meeting criteria were observational or randomized controlled trials evaluating outcomes in IMN for adult diaphyseal forearm fractures. Standardized data extraction was performed and a quality assessment tool was used to evaluate individual study methodology. Descriptive statistics for interventions, functional outcomes, and complications were reported. Meta-analysis was performed for patient-reported outcome measures and operative time. RESULTS: A total of 29 studies involving 1268 patients were included with 764 (60%) undergoing IMN, 21% open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), and 9% hybrid fixation. There was no significant difference between groups in DASH and Grace-Eversmann scores. Operative time was significantly shorter in IMN compared with ORIF. The DASH scores were: 13.1 ± 6.04 for IMN, 10.17 ± 3.98 for ORIF, and 15.5 ± 0.63 in hybrids. Mean operative time was 65.3 ± 28.7 in ORIF and 50.8 ± 17.7 in IMN. Complication rates were 16.7% in the IMN group, 14.9% in ORIF, and 6.3% in hybrid constructs. There were 11 cases of extensor pollicis rupture in the IMN group. Average IMN pronation and supination were 78.3° ± 7.9° and 73° ± 5.0°, respectively. Average ORIF pronation and supination was 82.15° ± 1.9° and 79.7° ± 4.5°, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Similar functional outcomes and complication rates along with shorter operative times can be achieved with IMN compared with ORIF. The use of IMN is promising, however, higher quality evidence is required to assess appropriate indications, subtle differences in range of motion, implant-related complications, and cost-effectiveness. Trail Registration PROSPERO (International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews) (ID: CRD42022362353).

The effectiveness of therapeutic craft-making activities in treating lower-third forearm fracture: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Occupational Therapists use craft-making activities as therapeutic interventions to improve physical and psychological functioning of injured people. Despite the therapeutic effects, craft-making is not routinely used in hand rehabilitation as an intervention for patients with upper limb fractures. These patients often experience physical and psychosocial issues; however, without supportive evidence, therapists hesitate to integrate craft-making into upper limb rehabilitation. PURPOSE: This study aims to determine the effect of a conventional therapy combined with therapeutic craft-making on disability, post-traumatic stress, and physical performance in patients with lower-third forearm fractures. METHODS: Priori analysis determined that 38 patients will be needed for this superiority randomized controlled trial to be conducted in a hand and upper limb rehabilitation center. Eligible participants must comprehend English, be diagnosed with lower-third forearm fracture(s) stabilized by open reduction internal fixation, and referred to therapy within 2-4 weeks of surgery. Following the CONSORT guidelines, participants will be randomly assigned to a Control (conventional therapy) group or an Intervention (conventional therapy and craft) group. Twice weekly for 6 weeks, Therapist A will provide both groups with 1-h of conventional therapy while the Intervention group will also receive 15 min of craft-making supervised by the Researcher. The primary outcome of disability will be measured with the Quick-Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand. The secondary outcome measurements include the Patient-Rated-Wrist-Evaluation; Impact of Event Scale-revised and physical performance, i.e., the Purdue Pegboard Test, AROM, and grip strength. All outcome measures will be obtained by Therapist B prior to the 1st therapy visit and after the 12th visit. Descriptive analysis will be done for the categorical and continuous data and a mixed model ANOVA for analysis of the initial and final assessment scores within and between groups. RESULTS: This study is ongoing. DISCUSSION: The intent of this study is to determine if therapeutic crafts have value as an intervention when used in combination with conventional therapy for patients with lower-third forearm fractures. If the value of crafts is supported, this evidence may reduce hesitancy of therapists to implement craft-making with patients referred to hand therapy after upper limb fracture. CONCLUSION: This study is ongoing. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ANZCTR, ACTRN12622000150741. Retrospectively registered on 28 January 2022 https://anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=382676&isReview=true ..

Estimation of Injury Limits at Vulnerable Impact Locations Along the Forearm Via THUMS AM50 Finite Element Model at Airbag Loading Rates.

Side and frontal airbag deployment represents the main injury mechanism to the upper extremity during automotive collisions. Previous dynamic injury limit research has been limited to testing the forearm at either the assumed most vulnerable location to fracture, the distal 1/3rd, or the midpoint. Studies have varied the surface to which impacts were applied, with no clear consensus on the site of greatest vulnerability. The unpredictability of airbag impact location, especially with altered hand positioning, limits the effectiveness of existing forearm injury limits determined from impacts at only one location. The current study quantified the effect of impacts at alternative locations on injury risk along the forearm using the THUMS FE model. Airbag-level impacts were simulated along the forearm on all four anatomical surfaces. Results showed the distal 1/3rd is not the most vulnerable location (for any side), indicating forearm fracture is not solely driven by area moment of inertia (as previously assumed). The posterior forearm was the weakest, suggesting that current test standards underestimate the fracture risk of the forearm. Linear regression models showed strong correlation between forearm fracture risk and bone geometry (cross-sectional area and area moment of inertia) as well as soft-tissue depth, potentially providing the ability to predict forearm injury tolerances for any location or forearm size. This study demonstrated the forearm's vulnerability to fracture from airbag deployments, indicating the need for safety systems to better address injury mechanisms for the upper limb to effectively protect drivers.

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.

A meta-analysis on the diagnostic utility of ultrasound in pediatric distal forearm fractures.

Pediatric distal forearm fractures, comprising 30% of musculoskeletal injuries in children, are conventionally diagnosed using radiography. Ultrasound has emerged as a safer diagnostic tool, eliminating ionizing radiation, enabling bedside examinations with real-time imaging, and proving effective in non-hospital settings. The objective of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of ultrasound for detecting distal forearm fractures in the pediatric population. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted through a comprehensive literature search in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases until October 1, 2023, following established guidelines. Eligible studies, reporting diagnostic accuracy measures of ultrasound in pediatric patients with distal forearm fractures, were included. Relevant data elements were extracted, and data analysis was performed. The analysis included 14 studies with 1377 patients, revealing pooled sensitivity and specificity of 94.5 (95% CI 92.7-95.9) and 93.5 (95% CI 89.6-96.0), respectively. Considering pre-test probabilities of 25%, 50%, and 75% for pediatric distal forearm fractures, positive post-test probabilities were 83%, 44%, and 98%, while negative post-test probabilities were 2%, 6%, and 15%, respectively. The bivariate model indicated significantly higher diagnostic accuracy in the subgroup with trained ultrasound performers vs. untrained performers (p = 0.03). Furthermore, diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher in the subgroup examining radius fractures vs. ulna fractures (p < 0.001), while no significant differences were observed between 4-view and 6-view ultrasound subgroups or between radiologist ultrasound interpreters and non-radiologist interpreters. This study highlighted ultrasound's reliability in detecting pediatric distal forearm fractures, emphasizing the crucial role of expertise in precisely confirming fractures through ultrasound examinations.

Trends and projection of forearm fractures including elbow fractures of the Olecranon in Sweden: an analysis of 363 968 fractures using public aggregated data.

BACKGROUND: Forearm and olecranon fractures are a common orthopaedic injury. This study aimed to analyse whether the incidence of forearm injury is changing and identifying trends in the number of forearm and olecranon fractures using public aggregated data in Sweden. METHODS: The number of forearm and olecranon fractures as defined by the number of registered diagnoses with the ICD-10 code of S52 were collected and normalized per 100,000 inhabitants and stratified per sex, age, and month. Age-adjusted incidence for forearm and olecranon fractures were calculated using the direct method. Poisson regression was used to analyse monthly, seasonal and yearly change in forearm and olecranon fracture incidence. Logistical regression was used to predict future trends of forearm and olecranon fractures. RESULTS: The findings revealed a slight decreasing trend in forearm and olecranon fractures. The average incidence rate during the study period was 333 with women having a higher incidence rate than men. More fractures occurred in the winter months. Fluctuations in the number of forearm and olecranon fractures were observed during 2020 which may be influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on current data, forearm and olecranon fractures are expected to decrease in Sweden by 2035. CONCLUSION: This study describes the trend of forearm and olecranon fractures among individuals according to sex and age in Sweden using easily obtainable data. Trends in forearm and olecranon fractures are dependent on sex and age but generally show a decreasing trend. More precise studies are needed in order to properly quantify the specific incidence of various subtypes of forearm and olecranon fractures and associated risk factors.

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.

Regional Anesthesia as an Alternative to Procedural Sedation for Forearm Fracture Reductions in the Pediatric Emergency Department.

BACKGROUND: Pediatric forearm fractures are common injuries in the pediatric emergency department (PED). Pediatric procedural sedation (PPS) is often required for forearm fracture reductions and pain control for casting. Bier blocks and hematoma blocks are types of regional anesthesia (RA) procedures that can be performed as a potential alternative to PPS. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study is to compare the safety of RA with that of PPS. We hypothesized that RA has a safety profile that is equal or superior to PPS as well as a shorter duration of treatment in the PED. METHODS: Pediatric emergency department encounters in patients presenting with a diagnosis of radius fracture, ulna fracture, distal "both-bone" fracture, Monteggia fracture, and/or Galeazzi fracture were included. Outcomes of interest included patient adverse events (AEs), sedation medications used, PED duration of treatment (arrival time to disposition time), sedation failures, and reduction failures. RESULTS: Propensity matching was performed resulting in 632 well-matched RA-PPS pairs. The PPS cohort had 13% of encounters with at least 1 AE compared with 0.2% in the RA cohort, P < 0.001. The most common AE in the PPS group was hypoxia (9.8%), and the only AE in the RA group was an intravenous infiltrate (0.16%). Within the matched cohorts, PPS required more medications than RA (100% vs 60%, P < 0.001). Ketamine alone was more commonly used in the PPS group than the RA group (86% vs 0.2%, P < 0.001). Propofol was used only in the PPS group. The average duration of treatment was 205 (SD, 81) minutes in the PPS group and 178 (SD, 75) minutes in the RA group ( P < 0.001). There were no reduction failures in either group. CONCLUSIONS: Bier blocks and hematoma blocks are an acceptable alternative to PPS for children requiring forearm reductions. The AE rate is low and the reduction success rate is high. Duration of treatment in the PED is shorter for patients receiving RA compared with PPS.

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).

Refracture Following Operative Treatment of Pediatric Both Bone Forearm Fractures.

INTRODUCTION: Both bone forearm fractures are common injuries in children. Most can be treated with reduction and casting. Those that fail nonoperative management can be treated with a plate or intramedullary fixation; however, refracture remains a problem. The goal of this study is to evaluate the refracture rate in both bone forearm fractures based on the mode of fixation. METHODS: Institutional board review approval was obtained. A retrospective chart review from 2010 to 2021 at a single tertiary care institution was conducted for all operative patients <18 years who sustained a both bone forearm fracture. Groups were stratified based on initial operative fixation type: both bones fixated using nails, 1 bone fixated with a nail; both bones plated, and 1 bone plated. Further review was conducted to identify refractures following initial operative treatment. Statistical analyses were conducted using the χ 2 test of independence and Fisher's exact test. RESULTS: In all, 402 operatively treated both bone forearm fracture patients were identified. Two hundred fifty-six of these patients underwent intramedullary fixation (average age 10.3y/o), while 146 patients received plate fixation (average age 13.8y/o). Fracture location was similar across the nailing and plating cohorts, most often occurring in the mid-shaft region. Patients aged ≤10 years refractured at a significantly higher rate than patients aged >10 years across all operative fixation cohorts (12.5% vs. 2.5%, P <0.001). Among the 256 patients who underwent intramedullary fixation, 61.3% had both bones treated (n=157/256), whereas 38.7% received single bone fixation (n=99/256). Of the 146 plate fixations, 84.4% had both bones fixed (n=123/146), and only 15.8% were treated with single bone fixation (n=23/146). In the intramedullary group, 15 patients sustained refractures, 11 of whom were treated with single bone fixation (11.1%, n=11/99) versus 4 with both both fixation (2.5%, n=4/157). Among the plating group, 7 patients sustained refractures, 6 with both bone fixation (4.9%, n=6/123) and 1 in single bone fixation (4.3%, n=1/23). Refractures were found to be significantly more prevalent among patients treated with single bone compared with both bone intramedullary nail fixation (11.1% vs. 2.5%, P =0.006). By fixated bone, single bone ulna fixations had a higher refracture rate compared with both bone fixations (12.1% vs. 3.6%, P =0.003). CONCLUSION: The overall refracture rate following operative treatment of both bone fractures is 5.5% and is similar between intramedullary and plate fixations. Overall, patients ≤10 years of age had a higher rate of refracture. Among single bone fixations, higher refracture was seen with intramedullary fixations, and when the radius was treated nonoperatively. Surgeons may be able to reduce the refracture rate by performing intramedullary fixation of both bones instead of only one bone. Effective postoperative counseling among younger patients may also decrease refracture rates.

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.

The Relationship between the Bevel of the Radial Head Epiphysis and the Posterior Synovial Fringe During Rotation of the Elbow: An Ultrasonography Study with Possible Implications Regarding the Pathophysiology of Nursemaid's Elbow.

BACKGROUND: Nursemaid's elbow is the most common upper extremity injury in children under 5 years of age. However, the exact pathomechanism underlying the nursemaid's elbow remains elusive, and approximate one-third of patients present with a nonclassical history. Using a high-frequency ultrasound probe, we attempted to determine the relationship between the anterior edge of the posterior synovial fringe and the peripheral rim of the radial head epiphysis during rotation. It is possible that the primary reason for the nursemaid's elbow is due to the pronator position. METHODS: Twenty-one patients had a history of nursemaid's elbow and had a successful reduction before enrollment in this study. A high-frequency linear array 6 to 24 MHz hockey stick transducer was used to detect small morphologic changes in the peripheral rim of the radial head epiphysis and the posterior synovial fringe during rotation of the capitellum-radial joint. RESULTS: In complete pronation, the anterior edge of the posterior synovial fringe contacts the beveled articular surface of the radial head peripheral rim in all 21 patients. In neutral and complete supination, the anterior edge of the posterior synovial fringe contacts the convexly nonarticular surface of the radial head peripheral rim and extends deep into the foveal radius. The posterior synovial fringe and the capsule-aponeurotic membrane were tightened in passive pronation in all 21 cases. The posterior synovial fringe and the capsule-aponeurosis membrane were all loose in the neutral and supination positions. CONCLUSION: The anterior edge of the posterior synovial fringe touches the beveled peripheral rim of the radial head epiphysis during complete pronation, and the tension of the lateral collateral ligament complex during pronation may further cause unstable conditions of the anterior edge of the posterior synovial fringe. We hypothesized that the beveled peripheral rim of the radial epiphysis and its relationship with the anterior edge of the posterior synovial fringe could be the reason why nursemaid's elbow only occurs while the elbow is in the pronator position.

Anterior radial head subluxation in primary elbow osteoarthritis.

PURPOSE: To investigate elbows with primary osteoarthritis (OA) for the presence of anterior radial head subluxation. METHODS: A total of 71 patients with elbow osteoarthritis and 45 with lateral epicondylitis were initially identified. The baseline characteristics and preoperative elbow X-rays of consecutive patients that had been clinically confirmed with elbow OA or lateral epicondylitis between March 2011 and January 2020 were then retrospectively reviewed. The radiocapitellar ratio (RCR; the ratio of the displacement of the radial head about the diameter of the capitulum) was calculated using lateral views. These RCR values were compared between the OA and lateral epicondylitis cases. RESULT: A significant increase was detected in RCR values between patients in elbow OA and the control group (13.2% (± 10.6) vs -1.2% (± 6.8), P<0.001). Based on receiver operating characteristic curves, RCR values had an excellent area under the curve (0.89) for the detection of elbow OA (Youden index, 0.69; sensitivity, 89%; specificity, 80%). Based on the ROC curve, the cutoff value of RCR was 0.04. Patients with RCR ≥ 0.04 had a significantly higher proportion of cases with elbow OA (risk ratio, 31.50 [95% CI, 11.17-88.82]) than those with RCR ˂ 0.04 (P ˂ 0.001). CONCLUSION: Radial head subluxation is a radiographic finding associated with elbow OA and RCR ≥ 0.04 could be used as an aetiological factor for elbow OA diagnosis.

Treatment of delayed union of the forearm with extracorporeal shockwave therapy: a case report and literature review.

Compared to other long bones, forearm fractures are particularly challenging due to the high rate of complications. These include malunion, delayed/nonunion, wrist and elbow movement reduction, and pain. Surgical procedure is considered the gold standard for managing delayed union and nonunion of the long bones. However, in the last decades, extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ESWT) has emerged as an effective and less invasive approach to enhance bone regeneration and fracture healing, avoiding major complications of surgical procedures. In contrast to the broad literature reporting good clinical results of ESWT in the treatment of nonunions, there is currently limited evidence regarding the clinical application of shock waves on long bone delayed fractures, particularly those of the forearm. In the present paper, we report a case of delayed bone healing of the diaphyseal region of the ulna treated with focused ESWT. The successful case experienced bone healing at the fracture site in less than 3 months after initial ESWT treatment. Acknowledging the limitation of reporting a case report, however, the remarkable clinical results and the absence of side effects contribute valuable information in support of the use of ESWT as an effective alternative to standard surgery for forearm fractures.

Community Water Fluoridation and Rate of Pediatric Fractures.

BACKGROUND: The effect of community water fluoridation on bone fragility and fracture has been inconclusive in the literature. The null hypothesis of this study was that no association was observed between water fluoride level and risk of fracture in children. METHODS: Community fluoridation data were obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention while data on fracture rates were obtained from the PearlDiver database. The rate of fracture type for each state was then compared with state-level fluoridation data using Pearson correlation coefficients and Wilcoxon rank-sum tests. RESULTS: Positive correlations were found between the percentage of state water fluoridation and fracture rates for both bone forearm fracture (BBFFx) and femur fracture. Fluoride levels had positive correlations with fracture rates for all fracture types. Increased fracture rates were found between states in the highest quartiles of percentage of state water fluoridation and fluoride water levels for supracondylar humerus fracture and BBFFx. CONCLUSIONS: A higher level of water fluoridation was associated with higher rates of supracondylar humerus fracture and BBFFx in children aged 4 to 10 years. These findings do not imply causality, but they suggest that additional investigation into the effect of fluoride on pediatric bone health may be indicated.

Comparison of four surgical methods for pediatric forearm double diaphyseal fractures: a retrospective analysis.

OBJECTIVE: One of the most frequent fractures in children is a double forearm fracture. They make up 26% of children's long bone fractures in the upper extremities and their incidence has increased in recent years. In this study, pediatric patients with double forearm fractures were treated using plate screw, intramedullary K-wire (I-KW), intramedullary titanium elastic nails (TENs), and hybrid fixation (HF) to compare the radiographic and functional results. PATIENTS AND METHODS: The printed and digital medical records were retrospectively examined from our hospital's archives after receiving consent from the regional ethics committee. Legal guardians of the patients, who were under the age of 18, gave their informed consent. Based on the surgical procedure used, the patients were split into 4 groups. Double plating was the D-P group, hybrid fixation method was the HF group, intramedullary elastic titanium nail was the TEN group, and intramedullary K-wire was the I-KW group. The study comprised 78 patients in total, with 19 patients in the HF group, 21 patients in the TEN group, 20 patients in the I-KW group, and 18 patients in the D-P group. RESULTS: When the mean operating times of the four approaches were compared, a substantial difference was found. The D-P group's mean operating time (65.2±4.9 minutes) was noticeably longer than those of the other groups (p<0.001). The HF group's mean operating time was 55.93.4 min longer than that of the TENs and I-KW groups, which was statistically significant (p<0.001). In comparison to the other groups, the D-P group's mean intraoperative fluoroscopy time was considerably shorter (6±3 sec) (p<0.001). When compared to the D-P group, it was considerably higher in the HF group (12±2 sec) (p<0.001). In comparison to the TENs (20±4 sec) and I-KW groups (19±5 sec), it was significantly lower in the HF group (p<0.001). In comparison to the HF group, the D-P group's tourniquet use lasted much longer (p<0.001). The TENs and I-KW groups did not use a tourniquet because a mini-incision was made. The D-P group's mean blood loss (110±10 ml) was substantially larger than that of the other groups (p<0.001) in the mean blood loss data. In comparison to the TENs (40±5 ml) and I-KW (40±5 ml) groups, the mean blood loss in the HF group (90±10 ml) was considerably larger (p<0.001). All patients received an above-elbow postoperative cast. The HF group (2 weeks) and the D-P group (2 weeks) experienced significantly less postoperative immobility than the TENs and I-KW groups (4.4 weeks, p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The four fixation techniques used in the current study for juvenile diaphyseal double forearm fractures produced positive clinical and functional outcomes. The hybrid fixation technique was discovered to be comparable to the other techniques and even beneficial in some ways. So, a safe and efficient treatment option for juvenile diaphyseal double forearm fractures is hybrid fixation.

Intramedullary Nailing of Forearm Fractures.

The primary goal in operative fixation of forearm fractures is to restore length, rotational stability, and maintenance of the radial bow. Plate osteosynthesis is well regarded as the gold standard of treatment though often necessitates soft tissue injury, periosteal stripping, and risk of refracture after hardware removal. While intramedullary nails have been utilized for forearm fixation since the early 1900s, technological advancements including locked intramedullary nails have lead to improved outcomes in intramedullary nail forearm fixation. In select patients, intramedullary nail fixation is an appropriate treatment option. For example, patients with mangled extremities, comminuted or segmental fractures, or soft tissue injury may benefit from this approach as it allows for smaller incisions and limits further soft tissue compromise.

Validation of forearm fracture diagnoses in administrative patient registers.

The validity of forearm fracture diagnoses recorded in five Norwegian hospitals was investigated using image reports and medical records as gold standard. A relatively high completeness and correctness of the diagnoses was found. Algorithms used to define forearm fractures in administrative data should depend on study purpose. PURPOSE: In Norway, forearm fractures are routinely recorded in the Norwegian Patient Registry (NPR). However, these data have not been validated. Data from patient administrative systems (PAS) at hospitals are sent unabridged to NPR. By using data from PAS, we aimed to examine (1) the validity of the forearm fracture diagnoses and (2) the usefulness of washout periods, follow-up codes, and procedure codes to define incident forearm fracture cases. METHODS: This hospital-based validation study included women and men aged ≥ 19 years referred to five hospitals for treatment of a forearm fracture during selected periods in 2015. Administrative data for the ICD-10 forearm fracture code S52 (with all subgroups) in PAS and the medical records were reviewed. X-ray and computed tomography (CT) reports from examinations of forearms were reviewed independently and linked to the data from PAS. Sensitivity and positive predictive values (PPVs) were calculated using image reports and/or review of medical records as gold standard. RESULTS: Among the 8482 reviewed image reports and medical records, 624 patients were identified with an incident forearm fracture during the study period. The sensitivity of PAS registrations was 90.4% (95% CI: 87.8-92.6). The PPV increased from 73.9% (95% CI: 70.6-77.0) in crude data to 90.5% (95% CI: 88.0-92.7) when using a washout period of 6 months. Using procedure codes and follow-up codes in addition to 6-months washout increased the PPV to 94.0%, but the sensitivity fell to 69.0%. CONCLUSION: A relatively high sensitivity of forearm fracture diagnoses was found in PAS. PPV varied depending on the algorithms used to define cases. Choice of algorithm should therefore depend on study purposes. The results give useful measures of forearm fracture diagnoses from administrative patient registers. Depending on local coding practices and treatment pathways, we infer that the findings are relevant to other fracture diagnoses and registers.