FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF DISPLACED PAEDIATRIC RADIAL NECK FRACTURE TREATED BY OPEN REDUCTION –A CASE REPORT

Abstract

A pediatric radial neck fracture, is still a challenging problem for the treating orthopedic surgeon. We report a pediatric patient presenting with radial neck fracture and results of open reduction and xation with k wires. A 8-year-old right-handed boy fell on an out-stretched left arm after being tackled during playing kabaddi and had a radial neck fracture. At the rst radiologic examination, the anteroposterior and lateral radiographs were showing over 80 degrees of angulation at the radial neck and subluxation of the radiocapitellar joint. We tried to obtain a closed reduction, but we could not succeed. Then, we performed open reduction while preserving medial periosteal continuity and vascular supply of the radial head by meticulous surgical dissection. Sixth-month radiography control and clinical examination conrmed the complete healing of the fracture without any epiphyseal injury. Painless full range of motion without any restriction of pronation and supination was achieved. The patient and his parents were satised with the outcome. We conclude that, if we can preserve medial periosteal continuity and vascularity of the radial head with open reduction, satisfactory results are obtainable.