Abstract
Out of a total of 112 children with displaced forearm shaft fracture treated with Percutaneous Kirschner (K) wire fixation in the past 9 years, 84 cases with fracture of both the radius and ulna were reviewed. 64 (76%) had fixation of both the radius and ulna, 10 (12%) the radius only and the other 10 (12%) the ulna only. In 60 (71%) patients were successful with one stage close reduction and pinning, while in the remaining 24 (29%) a semi- open reduction through a small incision was required. The K-wire was inserted through the radial styloid or the Lister tubercle for the radius, and through the tip of the olecranon for the ulna. All the patients reviewed were found to have good functional results with no non-union, deep infection or premature physeal closure at a mean follow-up of 48 months. Initial pre-operative shortening or translation of the fracture were associated with significantly higher chance of open reduction. We concluded that percutaneous K-wiring for forearm diaphyseal fracture in children is a convenient, effective and safe operation, with minimal complications.
The abstracts were prepared by Professor Jegan Krishnan. Correspondence should be addressed to him at the Flinders Medical Centre, Bedford Park 5047, Australia.
