• Joost W Colaris, Jan Hein Allema, L Ulas Biter, Mark R de Vries, Cees P van de Ven, Rolf M Bloem, Albert J H Kerver, Max Reijman, and Jan A N Verhaar.
• Erasmus Medical Center, Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Postbox 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands. j.colaris@erasmusmc.nl
• Injury. 2013 Apr 1;44(4):498-503.

IntroductionDisplaced metaphyseal both-bone fractures of the distal forearm are generally reduced and stabilised by an above-elbow cast (AEC) with or without additional pinning. The purpose of this study was to find out if re-displacement of a reduced stable metaphyseal both-bone fracture of the distal forearm in a child could be prevented by stabilisation with Kirschner wires.MethodsConsecutive children aged <16 years with a displaced metaphyseal both-bone fracture of the distal forearm (n = 128) that was stable after reduction were randomised to AEC with or without percutaneous fixation with Kirschner wires. The primary outcome was re-displacement of the fracture.ResultsA total of 67 children were allocated to fracture reduction and AEC and 61 to reduction of the fracture, fixation with Kirschner wires and AEC. The follow-up rate was 96% with a mean follow-up of 7.1 months. Fractures treated with additional pinning showed less re-displacement (8% vs. 45%), less limitation of pronation and supination (mean limitation 6.9 (± 9.4)° vs. 14.3 (± 13.6)°) but more complications (14 vs. 1).ConclusionsPinning of apparent stable both-bone fractures of the distal forearm in children might reduce fracture re-displacement. The frequently seen complications of pinning might be reduced by a proper surgical technique.Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

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