Evaluation of children with radial neck fractures treated with flexible intramedullary nail

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the results of displaced radial neck fractures in children trated surgically with flexible titanium intramedullary nails. Method: This is a retrospective study of five cases of radial neck fractures with displacement greater than 30° fixed with flexible intramedullary nails. Patients were evaluated regarding functional outcome through range of motion and the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), as well as radiographic exams. Results: Five patients, with a mean age of 8.4 years were assessed, during a mean post-operative follow up of 12.2 months. Open reduction was necessary in three cases with major displacement. At the end of the follow up, 80% of the patients had excellent results, 20% good results, and all fractures healed. As complications we observed: heterotopic ossification, superficial infection and radial head necrosis. Conclusions: In spite of the small sample, our results with flexible titanium intramedullary nails were similar to the current literature, with good functional outcomes.