Proximal Radius Fractures in Children

Abstract

Fractures of the proximal radius represent 5% to 10% of all elbow fractures in children. These fractures have many treatment options and have a high risk of complication, particularly loss of forearm rotation. Nonsurgical management of minimally displaced radial neck fractures produces excellent results in most patients. For displaced fractures, numerous methods of closed and percutaneous reduction have been proposed, whereas open reduction has been associated with particularly poor outcome. Many additional factors, including fracture angulation, patient age, associated injury, articular involvement, and internal fixation, may lead to worse outcomes. Because the literature is limited to retrospective case series, few studies provide high-level evidence to guide the treatment of pediatric proximal radius fractures; however, certain management principles have been established that are reviewed here.