Are Routine 4-Week Radiographs After ESIN Osteosynthesis in Pediatric Forearm Fractures Necessary?: A Retrospective Analysis and Proposal of a Risk-Adapted Algorithm.

Abstract

Background: Elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) is an established treatment for unstable pediatric forearm fractures. Although routine radiographic follow-up at 4 weeks is widely performed, its clinical benefit is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the relevance of routine 4-week radiographs and to develop a risk-adapted follow-up protocol.

Methods: We retrospectively analyzed all patients aged 0 to 18 years treated with ESIN for diaphyseal forearm fractures at a level I trauma center between 2014 and 2024. Clinical and radiologic findings at the scheduled 4-week follow-up visit were assessed retrospectively. Radiologic abnormalities were defined as secondary displacement, implant-related problems, or signs of infection. Therapeutic consequences were recorded. Statistical analyses included χ2 or Fisher exact tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and logistic regression.

Results: Of 610 patients screened, 553 were included (mean age: 8.0±3.5 y, 61.1% male). At the 4-week follow-up, 65.5% (362/553) were asymptomatic. Radiologic abnormalities were rare (1.3%, n=7). Importantly, none of the 362 asymptomatic patients showed relevant radiologic findings. Radiologic abnormalities were more frequent in children with clinical abnormalities (2.6% vs. 1.1%). In multivariable analysis, radiologic abnormalities remained the only independent predictor of therapeutic consequences (aOR: 11.9, 95% CI: 2.3-62.3; P=0.003).

Conclusion: Routine 4-week radiographs after ESIN osteosynthesis in pediatric forearm fractures do not lead to therapeutic consequences in asymptomatic patients. An algorithm for risk-adapted x-ray is proposed, although further prospective evaluation is needed.

Levels of evidence: Level III-retrospective cohort study.