Die elastische Markraumschienung — ein Konzept zur Behandlung der instabilen Unterarmschaftfraktur im Kindesalter

The standard treatment in forearm fractures of children is usually conservative. Unstable fractures of the proximal parts of the forearm often show poor results after nonoperative management, requiring surgical intervention. We report on 30 children from 4 to 14 years of age who were treated by elastic intramedullary nailing. Sixteen patients were treated by intramedullary pinning immediately after the accident; 14 required intramedullary nailing after failure of the conservative treatment and fracture redislocations. At the time of follow-up 6 months later, functional results were “excellent” in 24 children, “good” in 5 and “fair” in one child. There were no serious complications apart from the occurrence of one delayed union. According to these results intramedullary nailing can be recommended for the treatment of unstable fractures of the proximal and middle parts of the forearm in children.