Radial neck fractures in children treated with the centromedullary Métaizeau technique

Radial neck fracture in children is infrequent but when not managed accurately can lead to complications. Different methods have been developed for the reduction and fixation of this fracture. The purpose of this retrospective study is to evaluate our results using the Métaizeau centromedullary technique.

Our series comprises 19 children with displaced radial neck fractures treated in our institution in the period 2004-2008. One patient was excluded because of a very complex fracture dislocation of the elbow (exclusion criteria). Two patients refused to participate in the follow-up leaving 16 who were treated with this technique. Patients were evaluated clinically and radiologically. For the clinical evaluation, we used the Métaizeau's classification. The subjective evaluation was done using the DASH score, and the Steele's classification was used for the evaluation of the radiological results. FINDING/RESULTS: We found good clinical and radiological outcomes. The mean DASH score was 3.06. Patients who had undergone open reduction had inferior outcome.

Our results are comparable to other studies. This study confirms the Métaizeau technique as an excellent treatment option for displaced paediatric radial neck fractures.