Percutaneous reduction of displaced radial neck fractures in children

Twenty-three children with displaced radial neck fractures were treated by percutaneous reduction with a Steinmann pin after closed reduction failed. Reduction was successfully accomplished in 20 patients. The average age at treatment was 10.5 years (range, 7-13 years). The average length of follow-up was 2.5 years (range, 1-6 years). According to the criteria of Steinberg et al., 14 children (70%) had a good result, three (15%) had a fair result, and three (15%) had a poor result. Percutaneous pin reduction of angulated and displaced radial neck fractures is a simple, safe alternative to open reduction. It appears that when radial head fractures are associated with severe displacement, a moderate rate of fair and poor results (30%) can be expected, despite treatment by percutaneous reduction with a Steinmann pin.