Both-bone forearm fractures of the radius and ulna are a common injury in children. Closed reduction and casting has historically been the primary means of treatment in over 90% of these fractures. Unstable and irreducible fractures, however, often pose a therapeutic challenge, with little data available to compare outcomes. The authors performed a retrospective review of 50 children with both-bones fractures treated with closed reduction and cast immobilization, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF), or intramedullary (IM) nailing. Complications were tabulated and separated by treatment modality and subdivided into minor/major complications. Statistical regression was performed. There were 54 operations in 50 patients with both-bones fractures. All fractures healed within 8 to 10 weeks, except for two delayed unions and one nonunion. The complication rate was 5% for closed treatment, 33% for ORIF, and 42% for IM nailing. Complication rates were significantly different between the closed and operative groups. When comparing treatments in pediatric both-bones fractures, there are significantly more complications with operative techniques. Patients with ORIF had more major complications, often requiring a return to the operating room. IM nailing, when done correctly, is as acceptable and safe a form of treatment.

A simple classification of adult scoliosis was developed based on frontal and sagittal plane standing radiographs. With increasing type (from I to III), self-reported pain and disability increased. This result was reflected in the treatment approach as well, with surgical rates increasing from types I to III. Further refinement is important to develop an all inclusive and sufficiently descriptive system.

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Frazier has ownership interest (including patents) in Presage Biosciences, Inc. R. Klinghoffer has ownership interest (including patents) in Presage Biosciences.