Operative treatment of radial neck fractures in children.

INTRODUCTION Injuries to the ulnar joint area are common musculoskeletal injuries in children. Among them, proximal radial bone fractures are characterized by a variety of treatment methods applied and a risk of complications. OBJECTIVE The aim of the present paper is to present the types and treatment results of proximal radial bone fractures in children. MATERIAL AND METHODS The present study is based on data obtained from the medical histories of 28 patients treated in the years 2006-2010. The clinical parameters analysed included the extent of bone fragment displacement, age and sex of the patient, and type and result of the operative treatment. RESULTS Types and results of the operative treatment are presented based on post-operative clinical follow-up of 2 to 5 years. CONCLUSIONS 1. Paediatric radial neck fractures occur primarily in adolescents and children at early school age, and the fracture line extends within the growth plate area. 2. The treatment results allow us to conclude that closed reduction of a radial neck fracture with intramedullary stabilization (ESIN) eliminates complications and provides for earlier restoration of the range of motion in the ulnar joint.