Both-bone forearm fractures in children

Summary

Six small retrospective cohort studies shed little light on whether intramedullary nailing (IMN) or open reduction internal fixation (ORIF) with plate fixation is more effective in treating both-bone forearm fractures in children. No statistically significant difference between treatment groups was found with regard to functional outcomes or the average magnitude of radial bowing. Small sample sizes may have precluded detection of statistically significant differences. In one study, a statistically significant difference was found in the average radial bow location in the IMN group as compared with both the ORIF group and normative values. Cosmetically, IMN provided significantly better results (ie, smaller incision / scar length) than ORIF as assessed by two studies. For both nonunion / delayed healing and complications, rates varied widely between studies and did not consistently favor one treatment method over the other. Randomized controlled studies with larger sample sizes and longer follow-up periods are needed to determine which treatment option is optimal. Use of validated outcomes measures is recommended.