Percutaneous Transphyseal Intramedullary Kirschner Wire Fixation for Pediatric Diaphyseal Forearm Fractures

Han, Soo Hong; Lee, Soon Chul; Choi, Young Rock; Choi, Jung Pil; Lee, Ho Jae

Abstract

PURPOSE
Percutaneous pin fixation is commonly applied for pediatric diaphyseal forearm fractures. We analyzed the results of percutaneous transphyseal intramedullary K-wires fixation for pediatric forearm fractures and evaluated the safety of this procedure in terms of growth.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Thirty-six pediatric patients with forearm diaphyseal fractures treated with transphyseal intramedullary K-wire fixation were reviewed retrospectively. Authors analyzed size and number of fixed K-wires and evaluated postoperative complications, bone length discrepancy and any deformity at the last follow-up. We also evaluated range of motion of wrist and forearm as a functional result.
RESULTS
The mean age was 9.5 years old and the average period of follow-up was 53 months (range: 23-85 months). Single wire was applied in each bone, and 1.6 mm sized K-wire was most commonly used for radius fractures and 1.1 mm K-wire for ulnar fractures. There was one superficial pin site infection which was healed by conservative treatment. There were no other complications such as premature epiphyseal closure, discrepancy of forearm length or any deformity. All patients showed no significant difference in range of motion compared to opposite side at the last follow-up.
CONCLUSION
Percutaneous transphyseal intramedulaary K-wire fixation is one of the effective and safe operative treatment for pediatric forearm fractures without any deleterious effects on subsequent growth of radius and ulna.