Functional recovery after reduced pediatric fractures of the forearm with respect to perceived limitations, common post-traumatic symptoms, range of motion, and dexterity: a prospective study.

Mild limitations are common. Further investigation of the association between pain, reduced sensitivity and hypertrichosis with treatment invasiveness is warranted. Regarding ROM supination, pronation, palmar and dorsal flexion should be incorporated in future studies. Dexterity is an unsuitable outcome measure.IMPLICATIONS FOR REHABILITATIONThis study relates to monitoring recovery from pediatric forearm fractures.Physicians ought to realize that one in four children experience limitations preceding 3 months post-trauma, in which case involvement of a hand therapist should be considered.Pain, swelling and especially hypertrichosis are common post-traumatic symptoms in children and should on itself not immediately raise concerns for complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS).To assess recovery of range of motion measuring pronation, supination, dorsal, and palmar flexion is sufficient.