Casting Versus Flexible Intramedullary Nailing in Displaced Pediatric Forearm Shaft Fractures

The forearm is the most common fracture location in children, with an increasing incidence. Displaced forearm shaft fractures have traditionally been treated with closed reduction and cast immobilization. Diaphyseal fractures in children have poor remodeling capacity, and malunion can thus cause permanent cosmetic and functional disability. Internal fixation especially with flexible intramedullary nails has gained increasing popularity, without evidence of a better outcome compared to closed reduction and cast immobilization.