Evaluation of functional outcome of forearm fracture in children treated with elastic nail (TENs)

Abstract

Background: Forearm fractures are one of the most common injuries sustained by children and both bone forearm fractures are estimated around 40% of all pediatric fractures. Pediatric forearm fractures occur in approximately 1 in 100 children per year. Forearm shaft fractures in children are usually treated with closed reduction and cast immobilization and a good functional outcome is obtained, but few patients with gross displacement, angulations, soft tissue swelling due to edema, children nearing skeletal maturity, proximal third fractures, open fractures and displacement after closed manipulation and cast immobilization require surgical intervention. Greater controversy exists regarding the optimal method of fixation in children. Fractures in this age group that cannot be maintained in acceptable alignment with closed reduction can be treated with either intramedullary nails or open reduction and internal fixation with plates. The purpose of this study was to investigate the indications, techniques, clinical results, functional outcomes, possible complications and means of avoiding them in unstable forearm fractures in children treated with titanium elastic nails (TENs). Methods: Our prospective interventional study included Forty five children after application of inclusion and exclusion criteria, consent for study was taken from the parents.