Surgical treatment of radial neck fractures in children by intramedullary pinning.

Various surgical techniques have been used to treat displaced radial neck fractures in children, in order to reduce the displacement and to avoid complications. We report the results of a retrospective study performed on 20 patients with severely displaced radial neck fractures, who were treated with intramedullary pinning (Métaizeau technique). Mean age at injury was 9 years. Clinical and radiographic evaluation was performed. At final follow-up, there were 17 (85%) excellent or good results, 1 (5%) fair and 2 (10%) poor. Complications noted were anterior epiphysiodesis in one case and avascular necrosis of the radial head in another. Heterotopic ossification, neurovascular deficit or deep infection were noted in no instance.