Fractures of the shafts of the forearm bones in children are common injuries and occur after a fall on an outstretched hand. There are two bones in the forearm: the radius and the ulna. After a fall either one or both bones may fracture.
The shape of forearm bones are important for the twisting motion of the hand, such as in receiving change from a shop keeper with an open palm (supination) or turning a key in a door (turning the palm facing down - pronation). Treatment of the forearm fracture aims to restore the shape of the bones such that supination and pronation ability is restored.
The first stage of treatment involves manipulating (setting) the bones to the correct shape. This is usually done under anaesthesia. The second stage involves stabilising the fractured bones either with a plaster cast (conservative treatment) or metal implants (surgical treatment).
This review aimed to examine the evidence from randomised controlled trials comparing conservative versus surgical methods and trials comparing different surgical methods for treatment of these fractures. We hoped to find which are the best methods in terms of function and complications. In spite of a thorough search we found no evidence from properly conducted studies to help inform decisions on treatment of these fractures.
Vollständige Zusammenfassung lesen
Diaphyseal forearm fractures in children are a common injury usually resulting from a fall. The treatment options include non-surgical intervention (manipulation and application of cast) and surgical options such as internal fixation with intramedullary nails or with plate and screws.
Zielsetzungen
To assess the effects (benefits and harms) of a) surgical versus non-surgical interventions, and b) different surgical interventions for the fixation of diaphyseal fractures of the forearm bones in children.
Suchstrategie
We searched the Cochrane Bone, Joint and Muscle Trauma Group Specialised Register (March 2011), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library, 2011 Issue 1), MEDLINE (1948 to February week 4 2011), EMBASE (1980 to 2011 week 09), trial registers and reference lists of articles.
Auswahlkriterien
Randomised or quasi-randomised controlled trials that compared surgical with non-surgical intervention, or different types of surgical intervention for the fixation of diaphyseal forearm fractures in children.
Datensammlung und ‐analyse
All review authors independently examined the search results to identify trials for inclusion.
Hauptergebnisse
After screening of 163 citations, we identified 15 potentially eligible studies of which 14 were excluded and one is an ongoing trial. There were thus no studies suitable for inclusion in this review.
Schlussfolgerungen der Autoren
There is a lack of evidence from randomised controlled trials to inform on when surgery is required and what type of surgery is best for treating children with fractures of the shafts of the radius, ulna or both bones.
