Corrective Osteotomies after Injuries of the Distal Radial Physis in Children

Abstract

Six children had corrective osteotomies of the distal forearm because of growth disturbance from post-traumatic closure of the distal radial physis. Lengthening osteotomy of the radius was performed in three patients with grafts from the iliac crest. All osteotomies healed in a satisfactory position. Three patients had only moderate mal-angulation of the radius and were treated by shortening of the ulna. The median postoperative palmar angulation of the distal radius was 4 (0–13)°, the radial inclination 22 (15–28)°, and the ulnar variance was –2 (–4 – +2) mm. The postoperative pain relief was complete in all patients and the total range of motion was 96 (93–100)% compared with the opposite side.