Distal Radius Fractures

Question 1

What is the most common fracture in children younger than 16-years-old?

Answer 1

Distal radius

Question 2

How much does the distal radius contribute to growth?

Answer 2

1) contributes 75% growth of the radius
2) contributes 40% of entire upper extremity
3) growth at a rate of ~ 5.25mm per year

Question 3

What conditions can lead to thermal injury during cast application?

Answer 3

dipping water temperature is > 24C (75F)
more than 8 layers of plaster are used
during cast setting, the arm is placed on a pillow. This decreases the dissipation of heat from the exothermic reaction
fiberglass is overwrapped over plaster

Question 4

What is an appropriate cast index for casting of pediatric distal radius fracture?

Answer 4

Less than 0.70

Question 5

What are acceptable angulations of distal radius fractures in pediatric patients?

Answer 5

1) less than 9yo; 30° dorsal angulation

2) older than 9yo; 30° dorsal angulation

Question 6

What are Indications for surgical fixation of distal forearm fractures in adolescents >10 years old include?

Answer 6

Angulation >20 degrees and rotation >30 degrees.