Stabilization of forearm fractures in children using intramedullary Kirschner wires.

Background. Minimally invasive intramedullary stabilization is a widely accepted method for treating long bone fractures in children. Indications concerning age and type of fracture have increased in the last decade. The aim of our study was to assess outcome in intramedullary Kirschner wire stabilization used to treat forearm fractures in children. Material and methods. From 1997 to 2004 intramedullary stabilisation was performed in 118 patients, 27 girls and 91 boys, ranging in age from 1 to 17 years (average 10.7 years). There were 191 fractured bones, 116 radius and 75 ulna. The procedure was done under general anesthesia. After manual reposition, the fracture was stabilized with an intramedullary Kirschner wire introduced under X-ray control. Results. There were no intraoperative complications. The mean duration of hospitalization in cases with isolated forearm fracture was 1.6 days. In 5 cases (4.2%) a minor soft tissue infection at the point of wire introduction was observed. There were no bone infections or damage to growth cartilage. In 112 operated children (94.9%), a good clinical outcome was achieved, while in 6 cases (5.1%) the outcome was satisfactory. Conclusions. Intramedullary Kirschner wire stabilization is a technically easy minimally invasive procedure. The method gives good clinical outcomes and decreases hospitalization, treatment costs, and stress connected with hospitalization. Intramedullary stabilization should be method of choice in the surgical treatment of forearm fractures in children.