The Demographics of Forearm Fractures

Abstract

Forearm fractures are the most common pediatric fractures. However, there is still a lingering debate as to which treatment options are best for the child. Our research was aimed towards better understanding these fractures so that a superior treatment would be clearer for pediatric orthopedic surgeons. Success rates of conservative treatment vs. operative treatment were also noted. Our research this summer was to collect the initial data to be studied and analyzed from a retrospective chart review. Over 1,500 of 3,000 patients were researched from the Health Connect database at Kaiser. Various parameters were used to describe the patient and fracture. All patients 0-18 years were included in the study (including both male and female). Demographics of the patient were taken as well as an open vs. closed fracture, fracture type, fractured bone(s) (radius, ulna, or both), and fractured arm. Treatment procedures were noted to include if there was surgery, the type of surgery, if there was a closed reduction in the emergency room, and if there was a re-fracture within the first year. The mode of injury was also important to our study as well as the time spent in a cast/splint, and the radiographic healing time of the fracture. Finally, the movement of the fractured bone(s) was noted to include whether or not it was comminuted, angulated, depressed, or displaced and how the fractured healed. Though this research is far from over, a large-scaled study such as this one will help guide pediatric orthopedic surgeons when dealing with new patients suffering from a forearm fracture.