Arch Hand Microsurg.  2019 Jun;24(2):126-132. 10.12790/ahm.2019.24.2.126.

Intramedullary Blunt K-Wire Fixation for Pediatric Forearm Fractures

• Sur YJ
• Cho YS
• Park HY

• KMID: 2448046
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12790/ahm.2019.24.2.126

Abstract

PURPOSE
Intramedullary blunt K-wire fixation was performed for pediatric forearm fractures and we report the clinical results.
METHODS
From January 2014 to December 2017, we retrospectively reviewed 35 patients who underwent surgical treatment for pediatric forearm fractures under 14 years of age. The location of the fracture, pre- and postoperative angulation, and the union time were evaluated using simple radiographs. Patients were evaluated for postoperative immobilization period, postoperative range of motion of the wrist and elbow joints, and postoperative complications.
RESULTS
The mean age of the patients was 8.1 years. The fracture site was the both in 22 cases, the radius in 8 cases, and ulna in 5 cases. The location of fracture was 10 cases in distal diaphysis, 22 cases in mid-shaft, and 3 cases in proximal diaphysis. The mean postoperative immobilization period was 5 weeks and bone union was achieved at 4 weeks. Bony union was obtained in all cases and all cases showed normal range of motion. There were no major complications such as re-fracture, pin fracture, or infection.
CONCLUSION
Intramedullary blunt K-wire fixation for pediatric forearm fractures may be one of the treatment methods that can be considered regardless of the location of the fracture with few complications.

Keyword

Pediatric forearm fractures; Blunt Kirschner wires; Intramedullary fixation

MeSH Terms

Diaphyses
Elbow Joint
Forearm*
Humans
Immobilization
Postoperative Complications
Postoperative Period
Radius
Range of Motion, Articular
Reference Values
Retrospective Studies
Ulna
Wrist

Figure

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  Fig. 1 A 1.1 mm and 1.5 mm K-wires with blunt tip compared to regular K-wire.

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  Fig. 2 (A) Preoperative simple radiographs showed fracture of the distal radius and ulnar metadiaphyseal junction. (B) Simple radiographs after reduction showed 13 degrees angulation. (C) Intramedullary blunt K-wire fixation was performed and postoperative radiographs showed satisfactory reduction. (D) Postoperative 6 weeks radiographs showed bony union. (E) Postoperative 6 months radiographs after pin removal showed good union.

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  Fig. 3 (A) Preoperative simple radiographs showed Gustilo–Anderson type I open fracture of radius and ulnar shaft. (B) Intramedullary blunt K-wire fixation was performed and postoperative radiographs showed satisfactory reduction. (C) Postoperative 6 weeks radiographs showed bony union. (D) Postoperative 6 months radiographs after pin removal showed good union.

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