Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026
Treatment with Locking Intramedullary Nailing for Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur Utilizing a New Awl with a Distal Positioner
Published on: June 6, 2025
Intramedullary nailing for the treatment of dislocated pediatric radial neck fractures
R Eberl1, G Singer, J Fruhmann
1Medical University Graz, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Surgery, Graz, Austria. robert.eberl@medunigraz.at
Insights
Retrograde intramedullary nailing is a safe and effective treatment for pediatric radial neck fractures, offering stable fixation with good outcomes in most cases. This technique minimizes risks associated with open reduction, preserving radial head blood supply.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Traumatology
Background:
- Pediatric radial neck fractures constitute 5-10% of all elbow fractures.
- Open reduction, while allowing anatomic fixation, risks compromising the radial head's blood supply.
- Intramedullary nailing offers a solution by combining closed reduction benefits with stable internal fixation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of retrograde intramedullary nailing for pediatric radial neck fractures.
- To compare outcomes of closed versus open reduction techniques in this patient population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of pediatric patients with operatively treated radial neck fractures over a 6-year period.
- Focus on cases treated with intramedullary nailing, differentiating between closed and open reduction methods.
Main Results:
- Forty-two pediatric patients with dislocated radial neck fractures were treated with intramedullary nailing.
- 90% of cases achieved successful closed reduction and retrograde nailing.
- Radial head necrosis occurred in 2 patients (4.8%) following open reduction; loss of reduction was observed in 17%.
Conclusions:
- Retrograde intramedullary nailing is a simple, quick, and safe procedure for pediatric radial neck fractures.
- The technique demonstrates a high success rate and favorable outcomes, with low complication rates.
Introduction:
Pediatric radial neck fractures represent 5-10% of all elbow fractures. Open reduction allows anatomic fracture fixation but compromises the vulnerable blood supply of the radial head. Intramedullary nailing combines the advantages of closed reduction and stable internal fracture fixation.
Material And Methods:
During a 6-year-period the medical records of all children sustaining a radial neck fracture treated operatively at our institution were analyzed retrospectively.
Results:
Forty-two patients with dislocated fractures of the radial neck were treated with intramedullary nailing. The average age of the patients was 8 years. Thirty-eight patients (90%) could be treated with closed fracture reduction and retrograde nailing. Open fracture reduction was required in 4 (10%) patients, and in 2 patients necrosis of the radial head occurred. Loss of reduction was seen in 7 (17%) patients. Excellent results were found in 38 patients, good results in 2 patients, and poor results in another 2.
Conclusion:
The retrograde nailing technique for the treatment of dislocated fractures of the radial neck in pediatric patients is a simple, short and safe procedure.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:27Fractures: Bone Repair
Minor fractures with no bone displacement are treated by immobilizing the fractured bone using a cast or splint. However, in the case of fractures with displaced bones, the broken bones are repositioned before immobilization to ensure successful healing without deformation and loss of function. The realignment of fractured bone ends is performed through a process called reduction. If the procedure...
01:09Bones of the Upper Limb: Radius
The radius has a nail-shaped head, and a short...