Forearm fractures represent one of the most common fractures in children aside from clavicle fractures, and the distal radius is the most common fracture site accounting for 20-30% of these fractures. Maintaining acceptable reduction is not always possible, and redisplacement or re-angulation is the most commonly reported complication. Factors leading to this complication can be broadly divided into three groups: fracture-, surgeon-and patient-related. The quality of casting has been historically measured subjectively. The description of several casting indices by different authors has been a major undertaking, attempting to address objective assessment of this factor. The following have been described: cast index, padding index, gap index, three point index and second metacarpal-radius angle. For distal radius fractures we think that the three point index is the most valuable measurement for predicting re-displacement among surgeon related factors; this index has not been used in forearm fractures in which the rest of the indices seem to be useful in predicting re-displacement. The casting indices should not be interpreted as a separate issue but in conjunction with fracture characteristics and patient factors.

Purpose There is no clear evidence in the actual literature regarding which of the surgical approaches could bring about the best functional, cosmetic, and radiological outcomes, as well as fewer complications, when an open reduction and pinning of a severely displaced supracondylar humerus fracture is performed. We, therefore, performed a systematic review of the English literature to investigate the existing evidence regarding this issue. Methods A MEDLINE and EMBASE databases search was performed to identify articles that focused on the functional, cosmetic, and radiological outcomes, as well as post-surgical complications, regarding different surgical approaches used for open reduction and pinning in severely displaced supracondylar humerus fractures in children. One hundred and ninety-four articles were identified, of which seven were included for review. Data analysis included weighted means for all contingency tables and the Chi-square test. Standardized residues were studied when the Chi-square test was statistically significant. Statistical analyses were conducted using Stata 9.1/SE (StataCorp., College Station, TX) and P-values lower than 0.05 were considered to be statistically significant for all analyses. Results For functional outcome, a high frequency of excellent results was found within the lateral and medial approaches, and a high frequency of good results within the anterior approach. A high frequency of poor results was found within the posterior approach. For cosmetic outcome, there was a high frequency of fair results within the posterior and lateral approaches, and a high frequency of poor results within the posterior approach. No statistically significant difference regarding time to union, as well as complications, was found. Conclusion Our results suggest that a combined anteromedial approach could be the method which allows the achievement of better functional and cosmetic outcome according to Flynn's criteria. Time to union, as well as post-surgical complications, should not be an issue regarding surgical approaches used for open reduction and pinning in these fractures.

Purpose The aim of this study was to identify factors which contribute to loss of reduction (LOR). Methods Outpatient records and initial, post-reduction (PR) and follow-up radiographs of patients with a distal radial metaphyseal fracture were reviewed to determine demographic factors; fracture characteristics (obliquity, comminution, intact ulna); three-point cast index (3PI); and initial, PR, and follow-up displacement (angulation and translation in the sagittal and coronal planes). Univariate and multivariate regression were used to identify significant risk factors for LOR. Results A total of 161 patients were included in our series (119 boys and 42 girls). Fifty-seven (35%) patients met the criteria for LOR. Multivariate logistic regression revealed that patients over 14 years old were 4.8 times more likely (p00.01) to lose reduction, and those with more than 10% PR translation in the sagittal plane were four times more likely (p00.03) to lose reduction. In younger patients, initial coronal translation and PR sagittal translation were independent risk factors. Patients with over 10% initial translation in the coronal plane were 2.4 times more likely (p00.01) to lose reduction, and those with over 10% PR translation in the sagittal plane were 2.7 times more likely (p00.03) to lose reduction. Three point cast index was not found to be a significant risk factor (1.64 vs. 1.57, p00.43).Conclusion Our study, the largest dedicated series of distal radial metaphyseal fractures, indicates that loss of reduction is common. Our analysis suggests that an anatomical reduction, which minimises residual translation, is the most important variable in preventing a loss of reduction.

Ewing sarcoma accounts for about 2% to 3% of childhood tumors and can occur in any bone, but it is most often found in extremities and central axis. Ewing sarcoma affecting clavicle is uncommon. We report 5 cases of Ewing sarcoma of clavicle treated in our institution. The mean age at the time of diagnosis was 11.6 years (2 to 15 y). There were 3 males and 2 females. All patients received chemotherapy before and after the surgery. Likewise, radiotherapy was administrated after tumor excision in one patient. Different methods of surgical treatment were used and included: claviculectomy, claviculectomy and vascularized fibular autograft, and claviculectomy and clavicle allograft. One patient died during the follow-up because of the recurrence of the tumor and presence of metastatic disease. The remaining 4 patients had good functional outcomes with no pain of the shoulder at final follow-up. In conclusion, Ewing sarcoma of clavicle is a very rare tumor and different methods of surgical treatment can be used. Clavicle often can be resected with no need for reconstruction, especially in young children. Autografts or allografts can restore the normal anatomy of the shoulder.