A new closed reduction technique for the treatment of radial neck fractures in children

Abstract

Displaced radial neck fractures in the skeletally immature patient are uncommon and can be difficult to reduce. We describe a new technique for the closed reduction of radial neck fractures in children. One of the authors (R.M.) has used this technique in treating 6 children with displaced radial neck fractures. This was a retrospective review carried out at a tertiary care hospital in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. All charts and radiographs were reviewed. One patient underwent an ultrasound assessment to assist reduction (case 4). Average age of the patients was 9 years and 6 months. Average follow-up was 4.3 months. Closed reduction was successful in all patients. No patient went on to an open reduction. The results in this series using a newly described technique are encouraging, and there is consideration for its continued use.