Comparison of operating time, fluoroscopy exposure time, and functional and radiological results of two surgical methods for distal forearm fractures of both-bones in pediatric patients: Is it necessary to fix both bones?

The aim of this study was to compare the functional results of internal fixation of both forearm bones versus fixation of the radius alone in the treatment of distal both-bone forearm fractures in children. This study included a total of 34 children who were treated for distal forearm both-bone fracture. Patients were divided into two groups according to the technique used, which depended on the date of their surgery. Group 1 consisted of 18 children (14 males and four females; mean age: 10.3 years; age range: 7-16 years) who underwent both-bone fracture fixation using closed reduction and percutaneous pinning; Group 2 consisted of 16 children (12 males and four females; mean age: 10.1 years; age range: 6-15 years) who underwent only radius fracture fixation. The average follow-up was 65.6 months in Group 1 and 38.9 months in Group 2. Operating time, fluoroscopy exposure time, functional results (Mayo Wrist Score, visual analogue scale score, and range of motion), radiological results (time to union and malunion), and complications were recorded as outcome parameters. The mean operating time was 35 min (range: 30-45 min) in Group 1 and 19 min (range: 10-25 min) in Group 2 (p