Functional and radiological results of percutaneous K-wire aided Metaizeau technique in the treatment of displaced radial neck fractures in children

Özet

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to determine the radiological and functional results and theefficiency of paediatric radial neck fracture fixation following reduction with the Metaizeau technique together with percutaneous K-wire applied under fluoroscopy to ensure minimum soft tissue damage.Methods: The study included 20 patients with Judet Type 3, Type 4a and Type 4b fractures operated onwith the Metaizeau technique aided by percutaneous K-wire between 2007 and 2014. The mean age of the patients was 9.75 years (range, 4e13 years). Mean preoperative angulation was measured as 52.4(range, 35e85). The average postoperative follow-up time was 34.65 months (range, 13e84) months.Postoperative radiological evaluations were made according to the Ursei classification and functionalassessment with the Tibone e Stoltz classification system.Results: Radiologically, the difference between preoperative and postoperative radius head angulationwas found statistically significant (p0.001). In the clinical assessment of injured and uninjured arms,there was no statistically significant difference between flexion-extension (p ¼ 0.330) and supinationpronationrange of motion (p ¼ 0.330) and carrying angles (p ¼ 0.094). According to the radiologicalUrsei evaluation, 17 (85%) patients were in perfect condition and 3 (15%) were good. In the classificationof Tibone e Stoltz, 16 (80%) patients were evaluated as perfect, 3 (15%) as good and 1 (5%) as fair.Conclusion: From the results of this study and related literature, the use of the Metaizeau technique in displaced radial neck fractures requiring surgical treatment in children can be recommended since itcreates minimum damage to the soft tissue, is easy to apply and the results are satisfactory.