Clinical and radiological evaluation of radial neck factures in children and adolescents treated by percutaneous leverage reduction with Kirschner wire stabilization

Abstract

Abstract Purpose The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical and radiological results of surgical treatment of radial neck fractures in children and adolescents by percutaneous leverage with Kirschner wire stabilization. Methods A retrospective clinical and radiographical evaluation was performed on a cohort of 61 patients (mean age 9.7 years; range 3 to 15) with isolated, unilateral radial neck fractures treated between 2009 and 2019. The mean duration of follow-up was 4.2 years (range 2 to 9 years). All fractures were types III and IV according to Judet’s classification. Results After mean follow-up, the radiographic results according to Metaizeau were rated as excellent in 70.5% of respondents, good in 27.9%, satisfactory in 1.6%. According to Mayo Elbow Performance Score, 95.1% of respondents obtained a very good result, 3.3% good, and 1.6% satisfactory. The mean radial neck–shaft angle changed from a mean 51.5° before operation to 3.8° postoperatively (p<0.001). The mean translation was 3.1mm before surgery and 0.5mm postoperatively (p<0.001). No limb axis deviation, elbow joint instability, and infection of the implant insertion site were observed. No statistically significant differences were noted between girls and boys (p>0.05). Conclusions Our findings indicate that percutaneous leverage with Kirschner wire stabilization is an effective and safe method for treating isolated radial neck fractures, characterized by a low risk of iatrogenic complications.