Displaced radial neck fractures in children: association of the Métaizeau and Böhler surgical techniques.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the results of surgical treatment of displaced radial neck fractures in children using an association of the Böhler reduction technique and the intramedullary fixation described by Métaizeau.


METHODS
Of the 68 children diagnosed with radial neck fractures, 28 (41.1%) were classified as O'Brien type III and surgically treated by the association of Böhler and Métaizeau techniques between December 1998 and April 2007. Two patients were excluded for loss to follow-up, with a total of 26 patients (38.2%) remaining in the study group. The mean follow-up period was 52+/-3.2 months (range, 1.7 to 10 y).


RESULTS
Consolidation was achieved in all the fractures after 5 weeks postoperatively. None of the patients presented perioperative complications or infections. Only 1 child developed pain and loss of motion, requiring surgical revision. According to Tibone and Stoltz classification, 17 children (65.3%) healed with excellent results, 6 children(23%) with good results, 2 children (7.6%) with fair results, and 1 (3.8%) with poor results.


CONCLUSIONS
This association of techniques presents an excellent option for O'Brien type III fractures of the radial neck. It is easily executed, does not require elbow arthrotomy, and shows few complications.


METHODS
This is a therapeutic study level IV (case series).
Brandão
Gilberto Francisco
GF
Brazilian Society of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Minas Gerais, Brazil. ortopedia.pediatrica@yahoo.com.br
Soares
Cláudio Beling
CB
Teixeira
Luiz Eduardo Moreira
LE
Boechat
Lucas de Castro
Lde C
D000293:Adolescent; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005594:Fracture Fixation, Intramedullary / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D016896:Treatment Outcome