Remodelling after Distal Forearm Fractures in Children: I. The Effect of Residual Angulation on the Spatial Orientation of the Epiphyseal Plates

Abstract

The effect of residual fracture angulation on the distal radial and ulnar epiphyseal plates was studied in children aged 1 to 15 years. Thirty-eight fractures located in the distal fifth of the forearm bones were observed for 1 to 25 months after the fractures had healed. The forearms were examined radiographically on two to five occasions and the inclinations of the epiphyseal plates in relation to the long axis of the proximal fragments were measured.

The results showed that an abnormal inclination of the epiphyseal plate after healing of a distal forearm fracture induced an alteration of growth in the epiphyseal plate. The redistribution of growth tended to correct the abnormal inclination. The rate of correction followed an exponential course.

The age of the child at the time of the fracture and the distance from the fracture to the epiphyseal plate did not influence the capacity for correction.

Key words:

• child
• epiphyses
• forearm
• fracture
• growth
• remodelling