Osteotomy for malunited forearm shaft fractures in children

Osteotomy to correct malunion after forearm fracture in children is an uncommon procedure. The uncommon nature of this procedure and the complex nature of forearm anatomy contribute to the difficulty of restoring proper alignment. The purpose of this paper is to report nine cases and describe a simplified method for deformity correction. This is a retrospective review of the authors' experience with recommendations for surgical technique. Average maximum deformity prior to osteotomy was 31 degrees. All patients united with satisfactory postoperative alignment. There was one superficial wound infection. Average improvement in forearm rotation was 102 degrees. Based on these satisfactory results and a review of the literature, the authors recommend correction of forearm malunion when functional range of motion does not return by 6 months after the initial injury.