Long-term follow-up of pediatric forearm fractures

Fractures in both bones of the forearm make up 40% of all fractures in children. Children's bones can grow and change shape, which affects how these fractures heal and how doctors decide on treatment. The younger the child and the closer the fracture is to the growth plate, the better the bones can heal or "remodel" on their own.
This thesis gives doctors important information about how children's bones respond to forearm fractures. The goal is to guide doctors on when and how to treat common forearm fractures in children, and what factors they should consider in making treatment decisions.
The research starts with a study comparing two types of casts for children with undisplaced distal both bone forearm fractures (Chapter 2). It then moves on to the best treatments for displaced distal forearm fractures (Chapter 3). Next, there’s a long-term study about the treatment of non-reduced midshaft forearm fractures (Chapter 4), followed by a study on treating stable midshaft forearm fractures (Chapter 5). Chapter 6 looks at how to treat forearm bowing or deformity, with a review of existing studies. Chapter 7 discusses the acceptable amount of bend for the most common forearm fractures in children. Finally, Chapter 8 explores the factors that impact how well children recover after a forearm fracture. The thesis ends with a general discussion in Chapter 9, including practical advice for doctors and ideas for future research.