Treatment of pediatric radial neck fractures with percutaneous joystick reduction and Metaizeau's technique

Abstract

Objective To investigate the clinical results of percutaneous joystick reduction and Metaizeau's technique in the treatment of pediatric radial neck fractures.Methods A total of 23 children with radial neck fractures were treated by percutaneous joystick reduction and Metaizeau' s technique from April 2011 to December 2012.Long arm cast immobilization was applied for 4 weeks postoperatively and functional exercise was resumed after removal of the external fixation.Results All the patients were follow-up for an average of 10 months (range,6 to 14 months).Bone union was achieved in all cases,with an average bone healing time of 8.2 weeks (range,8 to 10 weeks).Except for one patient who had skin irritation symptoms at the nail end,no other complications were noted.The range of motion of the elbow and forearm on the affected side was excellent in all patients.Conclusion Percutaneous joystick reduction and Metaizeau's technique require relatively short operation time,impose little tissue disturbance,and lead to excellent postoperative results.It is hence one of the ideal choices for the treatment of radial neck fractures in children. Key words: Radius fracture; Neck; Child; Percutaneous joystick reduction; Metaizeau's technique