[Operative long-term results in delayed radius head dislocation in childhood]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Traumatology
• Pediatric Surgery

Background:

• Delayed radial head luxation in children is infrequently reported with limited long-term follow-up.
• Existing literature offers minimal guidance on managing these complex pediatric orthopedic injuries.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of surgical reconstruction for delayed radial head luxation in children.
• To present long-term outcomes of operative management for this rare pediatric condition.

Main Methods:

• Operative treatment of 21 children with delayed radial head luxation (average 12.5 months post-injury).
• Procedures included joint repositioning, annular ligament plasty, and corrective osteotomies (ulnar or radial shortening).
• Long-term follow-up (average 7.9 years) assessed functional and radiographic outcomes.

Main Results:

• Most patients achieved good or satisfactory results following surgical reconstruction.
• Reluxation occurred in 2 cases, subluxation in 1, axis malalignment in 2, and early arthrosis in 4.
• Successful outcomes support surgical intervention for delayed pediatric radial head luxation.

Conclusions:

• Surgical reconstruction is a viable and recommended treatment for delayed radial head luxation in children.
• The procedure, sometimes combined with osteotomy, yields favorable long-term results.
• This study advocates for operative management in contrast to other reported approaches.