Malunion of Pediatric Forearm Shaft Fractures: Management Principles and Techniques

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Clinically significant malunion of forearm diaphyseal fractures is an uncommon but potentially disabling condition amongst children and adolescents. We present the preoperative evaluation, including imaging, and discuss surgical indications and contemporary approaches to manage such patients, including an illustrative case. RECENT FINDINGS: While advances in three-dimensional (3D) simulation, modeling, and patient-specific instrumentation have expanded the surgical armamentarium, their impact on long-term outcomes compared to traditional methods remains unknown. SUMMARY: Successful outcome following surgical correction of malunion following a both-bone forearm fracture can be achieved with careful patient selection, appropriate indications, and a well-planned surgical execution.