Closed reduction with elastic intramedullary nailing and open reduction with Kirschner wire fixation for treatment of radial neck fractures in children: a comparative study / 中华创伤杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To investigate the curative effect and feasibility of closed reduction with elastic intramedullary nailing and open reduction with Kirschner wire fixation in treatment of obviously displaced radial neck fractures in children. Methods From July 2006 to December 2007, 18 children with types Ⅱ and Ⅲ O' Brien radical neck fractures were admitted to Nanjing Children' s Hospital. Of all, six children received open reduction and fixation with Kirschner wire and six weeks of cast immobilization; the other 12 children received closed reduction and fixation with elastic intramedullary nail and three weeks of cast immobilization. The children were followed up for mean 12 months to investigate postoperative functional recovery of the elbow joint and presence of complications. Results All children achieved excellent clinical outcomes, without excessive radial bone growth, early closure of radial bone marrow, bone bridge formation or ectopic calcification around the joint. According to Tibone and Stoltz' s clinical evaluation methods, closed reduction with elastic intramedullary nailing had less trauma, faster recovery, fewer complications and better cosmesis than traditional open reduction with Kirschner wire fixation for children with obviously displaced radial neck fractures. Conclusion Closed reduction with elastic intramedullary nailing is a better option for obviously displaced radial neck fractures in children.