,
Department of Pediatrics Orthopedics and Traumatology, Meyer University Children's Hospital, Florence , Florence , Italy
Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, AORN San Pio , Benevento , Italy
Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Santissima Annunziata Hospital , Taranto , Italy
Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Santissima Annunziata Hospital , Taranto , Italy
Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, S. Croce e Carle Cuneo Hospital , Cuneo , Italy
Orthopaedic Traumatology Centre, Careggi University Hospital , Florence , Italy
Pediatric Orthopedic and Trauma Unit, University Clinical Center , Prishtina , Kosovo*
Department of Orthopedics, Sapienza, University of Roma La Sapienza , Rome , Italy
Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology, AORN San Pio , Benevento , Italy
Aim
Distal radius/forearm fractures in adolescent patients remain challenging injuries to treat. Distal radius/forearm bony anatomy is not completely restored with intramedullary K wire fixation. The aim of this study was to compare radiographic and functional outcomes obtained using intramedullary K wire fixation and open reduction and internal fixation in the treatment of distal radius/forearm fracture.
Methods
A total of 43 patients who presented with distal radius/forearm fractures were enrolled and divided into two groups: 23
patients treated with K-wire (IMNK) and 20 patients treated with plate and screws (ORIF). The evaluation criteria were: fracture healing time, objective quality of life measured by the Mayo wrist score (MWS) and quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand score (QuickDash), length time of surgery, complications, sport or play return, forearm visual analogic pain (FVAS), bone healing by radius union scoring system (RUSS).
Results
In both groups the results obtained were comparable in terms of functional, pain and return to play/sport after the third
month after surgery. Bone healing was faster in IMNK than ORIF but without significance (p>0.05). There was less complication in ORIF than IMNK (p<0.05).
Conclusion
The treatment of adolescent distal radius or forearm fractures remains challenging. One challenge facing the physician
is the choice of surgical technique and fixation method, which will be influenced by individual experience and preference.
The question of distal radius or forearm fractures in adolescents would be best answered with a prospective randomized study.
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