Previous research
fractures, both-bone forearm fractures, re-fracture, malunion
A systematic search of the literature on previous long-term follow-up studies for pediatric forearm fractures resulted in less than 15 studies in total, and none of them was an RCT. Most studies were published more than 5 years ago, and half of the studies were case reports. Therefore, our prospective randomized multi-center study presenting long-term results on diaphyseal pediatric forearm fractures is unique and an important base for substantiated statements on how to treat these fractures.To understand why early conversion to BEC is just as good as AEC in treating pediatric both-bone forearm fractures when looking at loss of forearm rotation, it is important to understand which factors could possibly influence forearm rotation. Previous studies addressed several factors involved: malunion of the radius and/or the ulna [Colaris et al. showed that association of a re-fracture and a diaphyseal location are both risk factors for loss of forearm rotation with, respectively, an odds ratio of 14.1 and 2.7. Furthermore, intervention of a physiotherapist resulted in a decrease in loss of forearm rotation, which suggests that reversible soft tissue contractures might be of influence in the loss of rotation [A malunion that is located near the more active distal physis has the highest capacity to remodel. The diaphyseal part has the lowest capacity for correction [