Table 1

Choice of operation (% cast v % pins) as a function of age category and condition

Condition	Operation	Age group
Condition	Operation	6–9	10–12	13+	Parents
The ordering of the letters for each condition indicates, in order, the high and low risks and benefits associated with each operation. HHLH—for example, refers to high benefits and high risks associated with the cast operation and low benefits and high risks associated with the pins operation. The “correct” choice, based on the balance of risks and benefits is highlighted in bold for each condition.
Participants		(82)	(89)	(80)	(237)
All Conditions	Cast	68%	58%	44%	31%
(p<0.0000)	Pins	28%	35%	51%	59%
HHLH	Cast	83	67	75	51
(ns)	Pins	17	33	25	49
HLLL	Cast	87	83	64	69
(ns)	Pins	13	17	36	31
LHLL	Cast	57	23	29	15
(ns)	Pins	43	77	71	85
HHHL	Cast	46	38	11	0
(p<0.005)	Pins	54	62	89	100
LHLH	Cast	83	94	42	25
(p<0.001)	Pins	17	6	58	75
HLHL	Cast	67	63	46	45
(ns)	Pins	33	37	54	55