Displaced radial neck fractures in children treated by closed intramedullary pinning (Metaizeau technique)

We report the retrospective results of 17 displaced radial neck fractures (O'Brien type II-III) in children aged between 6 and 16 years treated with closed intramedullary pinning according to the Metaizeau technique, from 1988 to 1992 in our Pediatric Orthopaedic Service at the Ramón y Cajal Hospital. The average follow-up was 4.1 years. Excellent results were observed in all cases except one (94%). Overgrowth of the radial head was present in three cases without functional impairment. We recommend this closed method of treatment because it is simple, easy to perform, and obtains exciting results with few complications.