Forearm fractures are the most common long bone fractures in children.

These fractures usually fare well with non-operative treatment. In the present case, however, if better reduction and correction of angulation is not achieved by closed reduction and immobilization, operative treatment must be considered.

Acceptable residual angulation after closed reduction is still a topic of debate amongst orthopedic surgeons. Most literature considers an acceptable angulation of midshaft fractures to be <15º. Furthermore, up to 100% of translation can be accepted, and a shortening <1 cm.

In the present case, the fracture was unstable and acceptable reduction was not achieved.