A new study published in the Journal of Pediatric Orthopedics B compared the radiological and functional results of newly designed radius and ulna intramedullary nails (IMNs) with those of titanium elastic nails (TENs), in the fixation of forearm fractures in adolescents.

This retrospective study included 45 patients aged 10-17 years who underwent surgery for forearm fractures between 2011 and 2018. Among these, 18 patients received IMNs and 27 received TENs.

The results showed no differences between the groups in terms of mean age, mean follow-up time, type of fracture, length of hospitalization, reduction quality, complications or union time. Whereas marked differences were observed in the implant diameter, angulation on early radiological examination and formation of large bone calluses. According to the Price criteria, among the patients who received IMNs – 16 had excellent results while two patients had good results. Among those who received TENs – 20 patients had excellent results and seven patients had good results. Hence, it was concluded that radius and ulna locked intramedullary nailing treatments for adolescent forearm fractures are as safe and reliable as TEN treatment.

Source: Özcan Ç, Taylan Öz T, Türkmen İ. Radius and ulna locking intramedullary nails are safe and reliable after adolescent forearm fractures. Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics B. 2019:1. doi:10.1097/bpb.0000000000000703