Abstract
Aim
In previous small series, some authors have suggested a difference between re-fractures through immature callus and remodelled bone. We aimed to determine whether different fracture patterns occur in early and late re-fractures of paediatric forearm bones.
Methods
Notes and radiographs of 77 forearm re-fractures from children aged 2–14 years were retrieved from our institution's radiographic database. Children treated surgically at initial presentation and re-fractures beyond one year were excluded. A control group of 100 forearm fractures without complication was used for comparison. Statistical analysis used chi-square and unpaired t-tests and statistically significant results were based on a two-tailed p-value <0.05
Results
Boys (76%), left laterality (78%), radius (69%), initial greenstick (66%) and diaphyseal fractures (62%) were most common. 60% of re-fractures were complete, 27% greenstick and 13% buckle. Median time to re-fracture was 93 days. Compared with buckle/greenstick configurations, complete re-fractures were more likely to occur if the re-fracture occurred within 50 days of initial injury (84% vs. 52%; p<0.05), if residual angulation was present on the radiograph at the time of last follow-up before re-fracture (74% vs. 46%; p<0.05) and resulted in a trend towards surgical management (25% vs 10%).
A five-week period in cast was used to stratify children in both re-fracture and control groups. The re-fracture group was more likely to have been in cast for less than five weeks when compared to the control group (54% vs. 38%; p<0.05).
Conclusions
Reduced length of cast immobilisation may be associated with an increased risk of re-fracture. Residual deformity before re-fracture and early re-fractures were more likely to result in complete re-fractures which may also mean a greater chance of surgical management.
