Minimally invasive elastic intramedullary nailing for the treatment of radial neck fracture in children: a report of 18 cases

Abstract

To investigate effects of elastic stable intramedullary nails(ESIN) for the treatment of radial neck fracture in children. From January 2014 to April 2017, 18 children with radial neck fractures were treated with minimally invasive internal fixation including 6 males and 12 females with an average age of 8.6 years old ranging from 4 to 15 years old; 7 cases were on the left, 11 cases on the right. According to Judet type, 5 cases were type II, 9 cases were type III, 1 case was type IVa, 3 cases were type IVb. Postoperative radial neck fracture healing, elbow pain, deformity and range of activities were recorded. All children were followed up for 3 to 14 months with an average of 8 months. All fractures were healed well. There was 1 case of nail tail irritation, and the fracture healed and pain disappeared after removal. Satisfactory results were achieved in 1 case after reduction and fixation, but a lateral and angulation shift in 20 degrees was observed after 2 days, while the elbow joint function seen well at 6 months. According to Tibone-Stoltz clinical function assessment criteria, the results were excellent in 11 cases, good in 5 cases, fair in 2 cases. The operation of elastic intramedullary nail fixation for the treatment of radial neck fracture in children is simple, reliable and minimally invasive, which can restore functional activity and less complication as soon as possible.