Treatment of pediatric forearm midshaft fractures: Is there a difference between types of orthopedic surgeon?

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY: The objective of this study was to compare the clinical and radiological outcomes of pediatric forearm midshaft fractures treated operatively with titanium elastic nails (TENs) by pediatric orthopedists and non-pediatric orthopedists.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective cohort study of 88 children of forearm midshaft fractures, who were randomized to operative stabilization either by pediatric orthopedists (Group A, 44 cases) or by non-pediatric orthopedists (Group B, 44 cases) from April 2013 to February 2014. At baseline, the groups were comparable with respect to age, sex, AO classification, injured side and interval from injury to surgery. We collected data on operative and radiation time, open reduction rate, length of hospitalization, bone union time, return to full physical activity time, complications, and measured clinical results using the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) Forearm Fracture Fixation Outcome Classification.

RESULTS: The mean follow-up period was 15.8±3.3 months for Group A and 15.2±4.2 months for Group B (P=0.491). No significant difference existed in time to union (P=0.282), the overall complication rate (P=0.750), return to activity time (P=0.408), and clinical outcomes according to CHOP classification (P=0.908) between the two groups. However, the mean operating time and radiation time was significantly longer in Group B than in Group A (P=0.001 and P=0.001, respectively). In addition, there was a trend for patients of Group B to have a higher rate of open reduction (P=0.035).

DISCUSSIONS: Our results indicated that children forearm midshaft fractures treated surgically by pediatric orthopedists offered potential advantages including a shorter operating time and radiation time, a lower rate of open reduction. However, both pediatric and non-pediatric orthopedists had achieved satisfactory clinical results in treatment of these injuries.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II prospective randomized study.