Pediatrics Case 5 Background

Fractures of the shafts of the radius and/or ulna are among the most common pediatric fractures, behind only distal radial and supracondylar humeral fractures in frequency. They are less common in toddlers, but are more frequent in school age children, peaking at 12-16 years old. Along with tibial shaft fractures, they are the most likely to present as open fractures in the pediatric population. Refracture at the site of previous injury occurs in 4-8%, even with optimal orthopedic management (usually around 6 months from original injury).