Clinical and radiological findings: A 7-year-old female presented following a fall from a bicycle, resulting in a left forearm injury. Radiographs revealed an off-ended distal radius fracture at the diaphyseal/metaphyseal transition zone, classified as AO/OTA 23-M/2. The ulna demonstrated a distal buckle fracture. This was a closed injury with neurovascular status intact.
Planning remarks: The preoperative plan involved a closed reduction attempt of the distal radius fracture under fluoroscopic guidance. Given the significant radial translation of the distal radial fragment, the plan included the use of a titanium elastic nail (TEN) for stabilization if closed reduction was insufficient.
Patient positioning: The patient was positioned supine on a radiolucent operating table, with her left arm placed to the side on an auxiliary table.
Anatomical surgical approach: A five-millimeter skin incision was made at the distal radial metaphysis, followed by blunt dissection down to the periosteum. An entry point for the nail was created using a four-point trochar. A 2.5 millimeter titanium elastic nail, pre-bent at its distal end, was introduced into the medullary canal. The nail was advanced proximally across the fracture site, achieving three-point fixation and facilitating dynamic reduction.
Operative remarks:The reduction was confirmed in two planes using fluoroscopy. The elastic nail was trimmed within the subcutaneous tissue, and the wound was irrigated and closed with interrupted 4-0 nylon sutures. A below-the-elbow fiberglass splint was applied to immobilize the forearm.
Postoperative protocol: Not specified
Follow up: Not specified
Orthopaedic implants used: 2.5mm Titanium Elastic Nail
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Credit where credit is due - @orthobullets and @somatostatin57 taught me a trick
— Dr. Edward Oates (@traumaticum) June 26, 2024
That little recurve kink in the ESIN is brilliant. these transitional dia/metapyseal fractures can otherwise be a real PITA to control sometimes
Just needs a gentle twist going in#orthotwitter pic.twitter.com/vWTQDrUeAW
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03 Jul 2024
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Cite this article:
Oates, E.J. (2024). Pediatric Distal Radius Fracture - Double-Bend Titanium Elastic Nail. Journal of Orthopaedic Surgery and Traumatology. Case Report 13828926 Published Online Jul 03 2024.