[Treatment of epiphyseal fractures of the distal radial in children].

Objective: To assess the results of treatment on epiphyseal fractures of the distal radius.

Material And Methods: A retrospective study of 53 patients treated in the pediatric surgery department on children was conducted between 2002 and 2012 for a distal radius epiphyseal fracture. The mean age of 12.5 years. According to Salter-Harris classification, fractures were classified of type I in 35 patients (66%) and types II 18 (34%) cases. The average treatment time was 1.42 days. Firstly, closed reduction followed by an anti-brachial brachiocephalic palmar cast was performed on patients. Failure of the orthopedic treatment led to open reduction and pin fixation. Post-care results were evaluated on the functional and morphological study of the upper limb.

Results: Postoperative complications occurred in 7 patients. Failures of closed reduction were caused by irreducibility due to periosteum interposition in 5 patients with type II fractures and by a redisplacement in 2 patients with type I fracture. In these patients, treatment consisted of a fixation pin by open reduction. Positive results occurred in 49 cases (92.5%) and sequelae occurred in 4 (7.5%) patients. Sequelae were represented by a stiff wrist in 3 cases (5.6%), and limitation of prono-supination in 1 case (1.8%).

Conclusion: The results of treatment of epiphyseal fractures of the distal radius in children are accompanied by a low rate of complications. But a long-term follow up is required because growth disturbances predominated among the complications.