Open Reduction of Radial Neck Fractures in Children: Injury Severity Predicts the Radiographic and Clinical Outcomes

Objective To compare the clinical effectiveness of a novel approach, percutaneous leverage reduction using two Kirschner-wires (k-wires) combined with the Métaizeau technique, versus open reduction plus internal fixation with k-wire for the treatment of Judet IV radial neck fractures in children. Methods Thirty-four patients with Judet IV radial neck fractures were treated either with percutaneous leverage reduction using two k-wires and the Métaizeau technique (n = 16) or open reduction plus internal fixation with k-wire (n = 18). Patient data including sex, age, time from trauma to surgery, fracture type, follow up, postoperative healing time, X-ray studies, elbow function, and complications were collected. Results There were no significant differences in patient characteristics between the two treatment groups. In postoperative elbow function assessment, 93.8% of patients in the group that underwent the novel treatment approach had a score of excellent or good, compared with 83.3% of patients in the open reduction and internal fixation with k-wire group. Furthermore, no postoperative complications were reported in patients in the novel treatment group, compared with 5 patients in the open reduction and internal fixation with k-wire group. All patients in both groups were classified as excellent or good according to Métaizeau criteria in postoperative X-ray assessment. Conclusions Compared with the open reduction and internal fixation with k-wire approach, percutaneous leverage reduction using two k-wires combined with the Métaizeau technique can significantly increase the minimally invasive reduction rate, and represents an attractive strategy for the treatment of Judet IV radial neck fractures in children.

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Closed reduction of severely displaced radial neck fractures in children

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders ◽

10.1186/s12891-019-2947-8 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 20 (1) ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Fei Qiao ◽

Fei Jiang

Keyword(s):

Open Reduction ◽

Clinical Results ◽

Performance Score ◽

Mayo Elbow Performance Score ◽

Type Iii ◽

Radial Neck ◽

Fractures In Children ◽

Radial Neck Fractures ◽

Intramedullary Pinning ◽

Mean Time

Abstract Background Severely displaced radial neck fractures in skeletally immature children are rare and can be difficult to reduce. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the results using our reduction maneuver. Methods From October 2011 to December 2015, 26 children with radial neck fractures(O’Brien type II, III and Judet type III, IV) were treated at our institute. All patients underwent percutaneous K-wire leverage and radial intramedullary pinning in an average surgery time of 35 mins (15–80 min). The injured arm was immobilized at the functional position with plaster for 4–6 weeks, evaluated clinically and radiologically. The Metaizeau classification and Mayo elbow performance score were used to evaluate the radiological and clinical results, respectively. Percutaneous K-wire leverage and radial intramedullary pinning were performed for 26 patients. No patients were treated with open reduction. Twenty four patients were followed up for a mean of 33 (range 12–53 months) months. Results There were 15 girls and 9 boys with ages ranging from 1.5 to 12 years and an average age of 7.2 years. Percutaneous K-wire leverage reduction and intramedullary pinning were successfully used in an average total surgery time of 35 mins (range 15–80 min). In total, 2 cases (O’Brien type III and Judet type IVb, angulation = 90°) needed the additional maneuver. Bone union was achieved in all patients within a mean time of 4.2 weeks. The clinical results were evaluated basing on the Mayo elbow performance score, and there were 23 excellent results and one good result. There were no refractures and no incidences of nonunion, suture infection, iatrogenic radial nerve injury, asymptomatic enlargements of the radial head or growth arrest in the proximal radial epiphysis. Conclusion Our modified percutaneous leverage technique with radial intramedullary fixation may be successfully used to avoid open reduction.

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