Casting Versus Flexible Intramedullary Nailing in Displaced Pediatric Forearm Shaft Fractures
Trial Parameters
Brief Summary
The forearm is the most common fracture location in children, with an increasing incidence. Displaced forearm shaft fractures have traditionally been treated with closed reduction and cast immobilization. Diaphyseal fractures in children have poor remodeling capacity, and malunion can thus cause permanent cosmetic and functional disability. Internal fixation especially with flexible intramedullary nails has gained increasing popularity, without evidence of a better outcome compared to closed reduction and cast immobilization.
Eligibility Criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 7 to12 year old children * Open distal radial physis * Both bone forearm shaft fractures (AO-pediatric classification: 22D/2.1-5.2) * More than 10 degrees of angulation * with or without less than 10mm of shortening Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with bilateral fractures * Gustilo-Anderson grade I-III open fracture * Neurovascular deficit * Compartment syndrome * Pathologic fracture * Patient not able to give a written informed consent