Yasin ERDOĞAN, Hilmi ALKAN
Çukurova Anestezi ve Cerrahi Bilimler Dergisi - 2026;9(1):19-23
Aim: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of parental socioeconomic status, including education and occupation levels, on bone healing and functional recovery in pediatric both-bone forearm fractures treated with titanium elastic nailing. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 84 pediatric patients (55 males, 29 females; mean age 9.7 +/- 2.2 years) who underwent titanium elastic nailing fixation for both-bone forearm fractures between November 2022 and August 2024. Patients with open, pathological, or multiple fractures were excluded. Socioeconomic status was determined using a modified Hollingshead Index based on parental education and occupation. Clinical outcomes were assessed using Price criteria and goniometric measurements of elbow and wrist range of motion. Statistical analyses included the Mann-Whitney U, Kruskal-Wallis, and Spearman correlation tests. Results: All fractures achieved union, and no major complications such as nonunion or refracture were observed. Seven patients (8.3%) developed minor superficial wound infections, which resolved with conservative treatment. According to Price criteria, 52.4% of patients had excellent, 39.3% good, and 8.3% fair results. Higher socioeconomic levels were significantly correlated with better Price scores (p = 0.001) and decreased elbow extension loss (p = 0.007). There was no significant correlation between socioeconomic status and wrist flexion/extension, elbow flexion range of motion. Conclusions: Higher parental socioeconomic status was associated with improved functional recovery, particularly in forearm rotation and elbow extension, following titanium elastic nailing fixation of pediatric forearm fractures. Emphasizing the importance of postoperative rehabilitation among families with lower socioeconomic levels may help prevent residual joint limitations.
