Remodeling capacity and functional outcome of palmarly versus dorsally displaced pediatric radius fractures in the distal one-third.

Introduction: The purpose of this retrospective study was to compare the remodeling capacity and functional outcome of palmarly and dorsally displaced pediatric radius fractures in the distal one-third.
Materials and Methods: Fifty-three children with a residual dorsal angulation of 15 degrees (range 10 degrees -28 degrees, +/-SD 5.32) and 31 children with a residual palmar angulation of 15 degrees (range 10 degrees -30 degrees, +/-SD 4.88) at fracture healing were re-examined clinically and radiologically with a median follow-up time of 10 years (range 5-15 years).
Results: There was no difference in the remodeling capacity, palmar tilt, radial inclination, and ulnar variance between both groups at follow-up. Pain as well as flexion/extension of the wrist and pronation showed no difference in both groups. Palmarly displaced fractures showed a significantly higher restriction of supination ( p=0.01).
Conclusion: We conclude that remodeling of residual palmar angulation occurs to the same extent as it does in dorsal angulation. Functional outcome differs in forearm supination.