Abstract

Radial neck fractures occur in 5–10% of severe elbow injuries in children. Conservative care primarily treats fractures with minimal angulation, while closed reduction is necessary for fractures significantly displaced. If reduction is not achievable, surgical intervention is necessary. The aim of this study was to evaluate treatment outcomes and possible complications associated with radial neck fractures managed via the metaizeau technique. A retrospective analysis was conducted on 29 patients aged 4 to 14 years who received surgery for radial neck fractures from 2016 to 2023. The mean arm-carrying angle of the unaffected was 13.79 degrees, while the mean arm-carrying angle of the affected was 14.13 degrees. The mean arm-carrying angle in patients were increased by an average of 0.34 degrees compared to the unaffected arm. The percutaneous leverage reduction using Kirschner wire (K- wire) was applied in 6 cases that could fail with closed reduction. Avascular necrosis was detected in 5 patients, and 3 of these patients were type 3 and 2 were type 4a. In patients with avascular necrosis, reduction was performed only with the mateizeau technique. No patients were seen with epiphyseal arrest. Our study shows that the mateizeau technique is an effective and safe choice of treatment for displaced radial neck fractures in pediatric patients. Especially in type 4 fractures, it is difficult to perform closed reduction; the percutaneous leverage technique with K-wire can be added to the metaizeau technique without the requirement for open surgical intervention.

Key words: Radial neck fractures, metaizeau technique, children