O2085 FOREARM BOWING FRACTURES IN CHILDREN: A LONG-TERM FOLLOW-UP

Abstract

Aims: To throw a new light on the fragmentary information from litera-ture, to add information to the mechanism of this injury, to clarify the cloudy treatment indications in the group between 4 and 10 years and to report the outcome of conservative treatment after a mean of 80 months. Materials: After reviewing the þles and X-rays, 11 children were included in this series, according to strict criteria. The decision for closed reduction depended on the severity of the deformity, on the associated lesions and on the age of the patient. At follow-up, they were subjected to a thorough anamnesis and clinical evaluation with speciþc concern about pain, function and cosmesis. Comparative X-rays to evaluate the remodeling were made in a standardized way. Results: The mean age at the trauma was 7 years. (4 to 12) In 3 patients, the fracture was caused by a transverse force. The diagnosis was missed 3 times. Five patients were simply put in a plaster cast, in 6 others closed reduction was performed þrst. In 8 patients a residual curve was accepted. After the age of 6, spontaneous remodeling was poor, with a bad cosmetic result in 1 case (residual curve of 11û) and a functional problem in at least 1 other case. Conclusions: 1. Contrary to literature, these injuries can be caused by a transverse force as well. 2. Spontaneous remodeling is far less than generally accepted. 3. Curves > 10û need reduction with an adapted technique from as early as 7 years of age on.