The First Case of Forearm Crisscross Injury in Children: A Rare Case Report

Background: Forearm crisscross injury is rare in children; there is no relevant literature so far. Surgeons lack experience and knowledge in treating this type of crisscross injury. We report a case of forearm crisscross injury in a child for the first time analyze its mechanism, and use minimally invasive treatment to obtain good therapeutic effects. Case presentation An 8-year-old boy experienced pain in his left forearm when he accidentally fell while skateboarding. Physical examination revealed swelling and deformity of the left forearm. We performed imaging and results revealed left radial head dislocation, left distal radial epiphyseal separation from the shaft, and interruption of the continuity of the dorsal cortex of the left distal ulna. X-ray films of the anteroposterior and lateral positions showed that the radius and ulna were crisscrossed. Diagnosis included superior radioulnar joint dislocation, left distal radial epiphyseal injury, and left distal ulnar fracture. After unsuccessful manual reduction, we adopted a minimally invasive procedure and succeeded. After a 14-week follow-up, the patient had good left upper limb function, no complaints of pain and limited range of motion, and good follow-up results. Conclusions: This is the first report of a child with a forearm crisscross injury in which the mechanism, as well as the differences from an adult crisscross injury were analyzed. Minimally invasive surgery with intramedullary fixation achieved a good therapeutic effect. Simultaneously, it provides a reference for the treatment of similar patients in the future.