Shortening and deformity of radius and ulna in children: correction of axis and length by callus distraction

Forearm deformities in children and adolescents may be congenital or developmental, or result from trauma; they may cause pain and decreased function of the wrist and hand. In this study we treated seven patients with forearm deformities (10 forearms) by callus distraction of either the radius or ulna using a monolateral external fixator after osteotomy. Target length was achieved in all cases. The results show significant improvement in range of motion of the forearm. All patients were satisfied with the appearance. There were no complications such as pin tract infection or neural impairment. In one case delayed ossification was resolved by alternating distraction and compression. The timing of correction depends on the implications of the deformity for the carpal bones and the function of the other forearm. Monolateral external fixation proved a versatile tool for correction of forearm deformity in children and adolescents, with a low complication rate.