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Intramedullary Fixation of Radial and Ulnar Shaft Fractures in Skeletally Immature Patients
Pediatric radial and ulnar shaft fractures are treated differently than similar fractures in adults. Adult forearm fractures are commonly fixed with plates and screws to maintain alignment and allow early mobilization to prevent stiffness. Plates and screws are not commonly used in the skeletally immature patient, for the following reasons: They disrupt the periosteal blood supply and fracture hematoma, which may alter the healing potential, and they create a stress riser both while the plate is in place and once it is removed, which leads to increased risk of repeat fracture as children return to regular activities.
