Mini external fixation for refractory distal forearm fracture in children

Objective To study the clinical outcomes of refractory distal forearm fractures in children after the mini external fixation and analyze its advantages and disadvantages. Methods clinical outcomes of refractory distal forearm fractures in 16 children（14 with close fractures and 2 with open fractures） after the mini external fixation were retrospectively analyzed.The patients underwent the mini external fixation（Orthofix） or Orthofix plus distracting reduction under local or general anesthesia after failure of manual and mental wire reduction. Results The operation time was 20-60 minutes（mean 36min）.The blood loss was less than 5ml.Degree I infection occurred at the pin sites in 2 patients and was cured by changing dressings.No failure of external fixation occurred due to pin site infection.The bone healing time was 8-12 weeks（mean 10.1 weeks）.The patients were followed up for 2-20months（11.7 months） after operation.Movement of wrist joint was not limited.Bony healing was achieved in all fractures. Conclusion The mini unilateral external fixation is effective for refractory distal forearm fractures with not disruption of the blood supply to the facture site,no limitation of early wrist joint functional excise,no concern about late displacement of the fractures,thus releasing nursing burden of parents nursery and mental load of children.