Locked wires fixator for fractures of the distal third of the radius and ulna in children

Abstract

Background Prevention of redisplacement is an issue after the treatment of fractures of the distal third of the radius in children. In this study, we used a locked wires fixator for this type of fracture and achieved favorable treatment outcomes. Methods The subjects were 8 children with fractures of the distal third of the radius (male: 7, female: 1, mean age: 9.0 years old) who underwent surgery with locked wires fixators and were able to be evaluated 12 months after surgery. Immobilization was not applied after surgery. The locked wires fixator or K-wire was removed when the bridging callus was observed on plain radiography 4–6 (mean 5.5) weeks after surgery in all patients. The presence of bone union, functional outcomes, and complications were investigated postoperatively. Results All patients achieved bone union without redisplacement excellent function. The pin site infection was observed in two patients. Conclusions The locked wires fixator may be a new useful treatment method for fractures likely to cause postoperative redisplacement.