UNSTABLE FRACTURE OF RADIUS AND ULNA

OUTCOME OF INTRAMEDULLARY KIRSCHNER WIRE FIXATION IN CHILDREN

Abstract

Objectives: To know the functional outcome of Intramedullary Kirschner Wire fixation of unstable Radius-Ulna fractures in children. Study Design: Descriptive study. Period: 27/03/2009 to 26/03/2010. Setting: Department of Orthopedic and Trauma, Khyber Teaching Hospital, Peshawar. Patients and Methods: All patients were admitted from OPD . Children less than 16 years with Unstable Radius- Ulna fractures were included in the study. Patients with open fractures and adults with polytrauma were excluded from the study. Unstable Radius-Ulna fractures were treated by Intramedullary Kirschner Wire fixation under general anesthesia and tourniquet control. Follow up till radiological and clinical union was done. K-wires were removed after healing of fractures. Patients were assessed functionally and radiologically and results were graded according to Price et al Criteria. Results: A total of 64 children with unstable radius and ulna fractures were included in the study. The age range was 6 to 15 years with average age of 10.41 years. 47 were male and 17 were female. The average time of radiological union was 7 weeks and K-wires were removed at 8 weeks time. At final assessment there were 47 Excellent, 10 Good and 7 Fair results. Conclusions: Excellent results can be achieved by Intramedullary K-Wires fixation. In children with unstable Radius-Ulna fractures. It should be the method of choice for treating these fractures.