ABSTRACT
[Objective]To evaluated the clinical results of the ulnar osteotomy and external fixation for the treatment of chronic anterior dislocation of head of the radius in children.[Method]From 2002 to 2004,thirteen cases of children with chronic anterior dislocation of the radial head were treated by ulnar osteotomy,external fixation and close or open reduction of elbow joint but without repair of the annular ligament. Their mean age was 5.5 years(2 to 11) and the mean interval between the injury and reconstruction was 19 months(2 months to 3 years).[Result]All radial heads remained reduced at a mean follow-up of 14 months(2 months to 3 years).Normal ranges of movement for flexion,extension,pronation and supination were improved or unchanged in 12 patients.One patient had further decreased in 10? for supination.There were one superficial pin-track infections but with no serious complication.[Conclusion]Angular ulnar osteotomy and external fixation of the ulna can lead to stable reduction of the radial head with minimal complications.Reconstruction of the annular ligament is not necessary if satisfactory re-orientation of the ulnar is achieved in all planes.