Dataset Information

Conversion to below-elbow cast after 3 weeks is safe for diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures in children.

ABSTRACT: It is unclear whether it is safe to convert above-elbow cast (AEC) to below-elbow cast (BEC) in a child who has sustained a displaced diaphyseal both-bone forearm fracture that is stable after reduction. In this multicenter study, we wanted to answer the question: does early conversion to BEC cause similar forearm rotation to that after treatment with AEC alone?Children were randomly allocated to 6 weeks of AEC, or 3 weeks of AEC followed by 3 weeks of BEC. The primary outcome was limitation of pronation/supination after 6 months. The secondary outcomes were re-displacement of the fracture, limitation of flexion/extension of the wrist and elbow, complication rate, cast comfort, complaints in daily life, and cosmetics of the fractured arm.62 children were treated with 6 weeks of AEC, and 65 children were treated with 3 weeks of AEC plus 3 weeks of BEC. The follow-up rate was 60/62 and 64/65, respectively with a mean time of 6.9 (4.7-13) months. The limitation of pronation/supination was similar in both groups (18 degrees for the AEC group and 11 degrees for the AEC/BEC group). The secondary outcomes were similar in both groups, with the exception of cast comfort, which was in favor of the AEC/BEC group.Early conversion to BEC cast is safe and results in greater cast comfort.

SUBMITTER: Colaris JW

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3822135 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature

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Conversion to below-elbow cast after 3 weeks is safe for diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures in children.

Colaris Joost W JW Allema Jan Hein JH Biter L Ulas LU Reijman Max M van de Ven Cees P CP de Vries Mark R MR Bloem Rolf M RM Kerver Albert J H AJ Verhaar Jan A N JA

Acta orthopaedica 20131031 5

<h4>Background</h4>It is unclear whether it is safe to convert above-elbow cast (AEC) to below-elbow cast (BEC) in a child who has sustained a displaced diaphyseal both-bone forearm fracture that is stable after reduction. In this multicenter study, we wanted to answer the question: does early conversion to BEC cause similar forearm rotation to that after treatment with AEC alone?<h4>Children and methods</h4>Children were randomly allocated to 6 weeks of AEC, or 3 weeks of AEC followed by 3 week ...[more]

PMID: 24171685

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Dataset Information

Conversion to below-elbow cast after 3 weeks is safe for diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures in children.

Publications

Conversion to below-elbow cast after 3 weeks is safe for diaphyseal both-bone forearm fractures in children.

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