A study of radioulnar movements following fractures of the forearm in children

Abstract

The range of radioulnar movements, following fractures of the forearm bones treated conservatively in 53 children under the age of 15 years, was measured by a goniometer. The most common age group was 6-10 years. All fractures united within 8 weeks and the average follow-up was 3 years. Although subjective assessment of the result was good in all cases, 52.8% had some limitation of rotational movements. The factors which limited rotation were angulatory deformity of the bones, rotational malalignment or injury to the inferior radioulnar joint. An angulatory deformity of more than 10 degrees in a child above the age of 10 years failed to remodel adequately with growth particularly if the fracture was in the proximal half of the forearm. Rotational malalignment also did not correct with growth.