Predictive factors for open reduction of operatively treated radial neck fractures in children

Open reduction is a therapeutic option for displaced radial neck fracture in children, which once was considered the last resort because of its potential risk for functional outcomes. This study aimed to identify risk factors for open reduction in operatively treated radial neck fractures in children.

One hundred and thirty-seven patients with displaced radial neck fractures, treated surgically at our department from January 2010 to December 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. Patients' data of age, sex, injury side, obesity, type of fractures, combined fractures, nerve injury, reduction methods, and delay from injury to surgery were reviewed. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were used to identify independent risk factors and odds ratios of open reduction.

Overall, 137 patients (62 females and 75 males) with an average of 8.0 ± 2.2 years were analyzed. There were 62 cases of type III fractures and 75 cases of type IV based on the Judet classification. Thirty-two cases had combined fractures and 19 cases presented with nerve injury. The open reduction rate was 24.1 % (33/137). Univariate analysis indicated obesity, fracture type, and combined fractures were significantly associated with open reduction. (P = 0.039, P = 0.000 and P = 0.000, respectively). While multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that only fracture type (OR, 5.18; CI, 1.63-16.46, p = 0.005) and combined fractures (OR, 7.79; CI, 2.97-20.41, p = 0.000) were independent risk factors for open reduction.

Judet type IV fracture and combined fractures are two significant risk factors for open reduction in operatively treated radial neck fractures in children. These findings will facilitate preoperative decision making, remind surgeons of the risk of failure in closed reduction and the use of new surgical techniques to decrease the open reduction poor outcome rate.