Abstract

Closed double bone forearm fractures are among the most common fractures of childhood. These fractures often heal without problems with closed reduction and casting. The leading complications are known as malunion and compartment syndrome. The reports about nerve injuries related with these fractures are very limited. We present an eight years old boy who admitted to our hospital with ulnar nerve palsy symptomps three months after his initial trauma. His initial trauma was a simple fall which caused radius and ulna fractures. Radiological assessment showed proper union of the fractures. We performed surgical exploration to the ulnar nerve. We found a trapped and damaged nerve in the fracture region. Even though the rate of complications about nerve injuries are extremely rare in forearm fractures, neurologic examinations should be performed before and after the reduction maneuvers. Neurologic examination will be not only a guide for fracture management but also an important point for medicolegal problems.

Key words: Microsurgery, physical examination, ulna fractures