Greenstick fractures of distal radius followed-up by ultrasound a prospective study

In our study we followed 38 metaphyseal greenstick fractures of the distal radius in children both by ultrasound and by X-rays. The study was conducted prospectively to verify if ultrasound is an acceptable method for following greenstick fractures of the distal radius. The metaphyseal fractures of the distal radius account for 60-75% of the forearm fractures in children. With the exception of torus fractures, these fractures are unstable, thus follow-up is recommended. The results of our study support the hypothesis that metaphyseal greenstick fractures may be safely followed-up by ultrasound examination.