Publication:

A prospective study of management of distal end of radius fracture in children

Background Distal end radius (DER) fractures represents one of the common fractures in the paediatric age group. Most of this injury are managed by closed reduction and casting. We investigated the degree to which the clinical and radiographic follow-ups reveal complications that lead to a change in management of the un-manipulated distal radius fractures in children less than 14 years of age. We determined the frequency and type of complications registered during treatment, and assessed the stability of the different fracture types.

Methods Study includes examination of 30 patients with closed DER fractures who were admitted in tertiary care centre between August 2016 to April 2018.

Results Closed reduction and casting was modality of treatment in 40%, casting was done in 33.3% and closed reduction and k wire were done in 26.7%. In patients with closed reduction and k wire slab was given. Gartland and Werley’s scoring system was used and found that 60% patients have 0 score, 30% have 1 score, 6.7% have 2 score and 3.3% have 3 score. 29 patients had excellent result and 1 patient had fair result.

Conclusions In this study of management of DER fracture in children with different modality of treatment, we noted that if it is an undisplaced fracture, can be managed with casting. If it is displaced fracture and reduction is achieved then closed reduction and casting can be done. If displacement is more than 50% of bone diameter then closed reduction and k wire can be done.