Re-displacement of stable distal both-bone forearm fractures in children: a randomised controlled multicentre trial

128 children with a displaced metaphyseal both-bone fracture of the distal forearm underwent reduction and stabilisation. Patients were randomized to wear an above-elbow cast either with or without percutaneous fixation using Kirschner wires, to determine whether the wires helped prevent the need for re-displacement. Following 6 months of evaluations, Kirschner wire stabilisation with above-elbow casts reduced the number of patients observed with re-displacement in comparison to patients only wearing above-elbow casts. Stabilisation with the wires also significantly lowered the limitation of pronation and supination. However, it should be noted that the rate of complications was higher in the patients who received stabilisation with percutaneous pinning.