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Background and purpose — Traditionally, overriding distal radius fractures in children have been reduced and immobilized with a cast or treated with percutaneous pin fixation. There is recent evidence that these fractures heal well if immobilized in the bayonet position without reduction. We evaluated the present treatment of these fractures. Methods — A questionnaire including AP and lateral radiographs of overriding distal radius fractures in 3 pre-pubertal children was answered by 213 surgeons from 28 countries. The surgeons were asked to choose their preferred method of treatment (no reduction, reduction, reduction and osteosynthesis), type and length of cast immobilization, and the number of clinical and radiographic follow-ups. Results — Of the 213 participating surgeons, 176 (83%) would have reduced all 3 presented fractures, whereas 4 (2%) would have treated all 3 children with cast immobilization without reduction. Most reductions (77%) would have been done under general anesthesia. Over half (54%) of the surgeons who preferred anesthesia would have fixed (pins 99%, plate 1%) the fractures. An above-elbow splint or circular cast was chosen in 84% of responses, and the most popular (44%) length of immobilization was 4 weeks. Surgeons from the Nordic countries were more eager to fix the fractures (54% vs. 31%, p < 0.001) and preferred shorter immobilization and follow-up times and less frequent clinical and radiological follow-ups compared with their colleagues from the USA. Interpretation — Most of the participating surgeons prefer to reduce overriding distal radius fractures in children under anesthesia. There is substantial lack of agreement on the indications for osteosynthesis, type of cast, length of immobilization, and follow-up protocol. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose — Controversy exists regarding the optimal treatment for displaced medial epicondyle fractures. We compared the results of nonoperative and operative treatment and calculated the incidence of medial epicondyle fractures in the pediatric census population. Patients and methods — 112 children under 16 years old who sustained > 2 mm displaced fracture of the medial epicondyle were treated in our institution between 2014 and 2019. 80/83 patients with 81 non-incarcerated fractures were available for minimum 1-year follow-up. 41 fractures were treated with immobilization only, 40 by open reduction and internal fixation, according to the preference of the attending surgeon. Outcome was assessed at mean 2.6 years (1–6) from injury with different patient-reported outcome measures. Elbow stability, range of motion, grip strength, and distal sensation were registered in 74/80 patients. Incidence was calculated for 7- to 15-year-olds. Results — Nonoperatively treated children had less pain according to the PedsQL Pediatric Pain Questionnaire (3 vs. 15, p = 0.01) with better cosmetic outcome (VAS 95 vs. 87, p = 0.007). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in respect of QuickDASH, PedsQL generic core scale, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, grip strength, carrying angle, elbow stability, or range of motion (p > 0.05). All 41 nonoperatively treated children returned to pre-injury sports; of the surgically treated 6/40 had to down-scale their sporting activities. The incidence of displaced (> 2 mm) fractures of the medial epicondyle in children aged 7–15 years was ≥ 3:100,000. Interpretation — Displaced fractures of the medial humeral epicondyle in children heal well with 3–4 weeks' immobilization. Open reduction and screw fixation does not improve outcome. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose — Unnecessary radiographic and clinical follow-ups are common in treatment of pediatric fractures. We hypothesized that follow-up radiographs are unnecessary to monitor union of physeal fractures of the distal tibia. Patients and methods — All 224 (147 boys) children under 16 years old treated for a physeal fracture of the distal tibia during a 5-year period (2010–14) in Helsinki Children's Hospital were included in this study. Peterson type II fractures comprised 55% and transitional fractures (Tillaux and Triplane) 20% of all injuries. Fracture displacement and alignment was measured. Type and place of treatment was recorded. Number of follow-up radiographs and outpatient visits was calculated and their clinical significance was assessed. Results — 109 children had fractures with < 2 mm displacement and no angulation. The other 115 children's mean fracture displacement was 6 mm (2–28). 54% of all children were treated by casting in situ in the emergency room, 20% with manipulation under anesthesia and 26% with surgery (internal 57, external fixation 2). Median 3 (1–7) follow-up appointments and median 3 (0–6) radiographs were taken. Follow-up radiographs at or before cast removal did not alter treatment in any of the patients. 223 patients' fractures healed within 4–9 weeks in good alignment (≤ 5° angulation). Interpretation — Routine radiographic follow-up is unnecessary to monitor alignment and union of physeal fractures of the distal tibia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose During the past decades, treatment of pediatric femoral fractures in Finland has changed from mostly non-operative to more operative. In this retrospective study, we analyzed the long-term results of treatment. Patients and methods 74 patients (mean age 7 (0-14) years) with a femoral fracture were treated in Aurora City Hospital in Helsinki during the period 1980-89. 52 of 74 patients participated in this clinical study with a mean follow-up of 21 (16-28) years. Fracture location, treatment mode, time of hospitalization, and fracture alignment at union were assessed. Subjective assessment and range of motion of the hip and knee were evaluated. Leg-length discrepancy and alignment of the lower extremities were measured both clinically and radiographically. Results Of the 52 children, 28 had sustained a shaft fracture, 13 a proximal fracture, and 11 a distal fracture. 44 children were treated with traction, 5 by internal fixation, and 3 with cast-immobilization. Length of the hospital treatment averaged 58 (3-156) days and the median traction time was 39 (3-77) days. 21 of the 52 patients had angular malalignment of more than 10 degrees at union. 20 patients experienced back pain. Limping was seen in 10 patients and leg-length discrepancy of more than 15 mm was in 8 of the 52 patients. There was a positive correlation between angular deformity and knee-joint arthritis in radiographs at follow-up in 6 of 15 patients who were over 10 years of age at the time of injury. Interpretation Angular malalignment after treatment of femoral fracture may lead to premature knee-joint arthritis. Tibial traction is not an acceptable treatment method for femoral fractures in children over 10 years of age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose The current treatment for femoral fractures in children is mostly operative, which contrasts with treatment of other long bone fractures in children. We analyzed treatment injuries in such patients in Finland in order to identify avoidable injuries. Our other aims were to calculate the incidence of these fractures and to describe the treatment method used. Methods The Patient Insurance Centre (PIC) provides financial compensation of patients who have sustained an injury in connection with medical care. We retrospectively analyzed incidence, treatment methods, and all compensation claims concerning treatment of femoral fractures in children who were 0-16 years of age during the 8-year period 1997-2004. Results The incidence of childhood femoral fractures in Finland was 0.27 per 1,000 children aged < 17 years, and two-thirds of the patients were treated operatively during the study period. 30 compensation claims were submitted to PIC during the 8-year study period. The compensation claims mainly concerned pain, insufficient diagnosis or treatment, extra expenses, permanent disability, or inappropriate behavior of medical personnel. Of the claims, 16 of 30 were granted compensation. Compensation was granted for delay in treatment, unnecessary surgery, and for inappropriate surgical technique. The mean amount of compensation was 2,300 euros. Of the injuries that led to compensation, 11 of 16 were regarded as being avoidable in retrospect. Interpretation The calculated risk of a treatment injury in childhood femoral fracture treatment in Finland is approximately 2%, and most of these injuries can be avoided with proper treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]