title: Evaluation of severely displaced radial neck fractures in children treated with elastic stable intramedullary nailing.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  We performed a retrospective case study of 28 consecutive severely displaced radial neck fractures (Judet types III and IV) in children treated with elastic stable intramedullary nailing using the Metaizeau technique.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed all preoperative radiographs and classified the injuries according to Judet. All patients were asked to return for later assessment. They underwent physical examination; radiographs were taken; and they were asked for subjective assessment. An evaluation of clinical results was performed using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS).
  
  
  RESULTS
  According to Judet classification there were 13 type III and 15 type IV fractures. Using the MEPS, excellent results were achieved in 23 cases (82%) and good results in 5 cases (18%). The average MEPS was 97 points. Five patients complained of mild pain. Three malunions were observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Elastic stable intramedullary nailing is a minimally invasive technique, allowing stable fixation and providing excellent to good outcomes with a low complication rate.
  
  
  METHODS
  We performed a retrospective level 4 study of case series.
authors.affiliation: Department of Traumatology, University Medical Center Mainz, Mainz, Germany. dklitscher@aol.com
authors.forename: Daniela
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Klitscher
authors.forename: Steffen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Richter
authors.forename: Karl
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bodenschatz
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Hückstädt
authors.forename: Alexandra
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Weltzien
authors.forename: Lars Peter
authors.initials: LP
authors.lastname: Müller
authors.forename: Felix
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Schier
authors.forename: Pol Maria
authors.initials: PM
authors.lastname: Rommens
mesh_terms: D001858:Bone Nails; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D019060:Minimally Invasive Surgical Procedures; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome