Risk factors for refracture of the forearm in children treated with elastic stable intramedullary nailing

Purpose This study aims to investigate risk factors for refracture of the forearm in children treated with elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN). Methods Clinical data of 267 patients who had been treated for forearm fractures by ESIN in our hospital from January 2010 to December 2014 were retrospectively reviewed. Risk factors for forearm refractures were determined using logistic regression analysis. Results Forearm refractures occurred in 11 children. Univariate analysis revealed that age, body weight, number of fractures, open fracture, nail diameter, and immobilization time were not associated with refractures. However, gender (male, P = 0.042) and fracture location (lower third, P = 0.007) were significantly associated with refractures. Multivariate analysis revealed that fracture location was an independent risk factor for forearm refractures ( P = 0.031). Conclusion Forearm refracture is uncommon in children treated with ESIN. Fracture location is an independent risk factor for forearm refractures in these patients.