Radial fracture accounts for 1% of fractures in children. It is potentially serious, and treatment is controversial. Several studies assessed prognostic factors, only one of which used exclusive intramedullary nailing, despite this being the gold standard.

Open surgery provides poor functional results in radial neck fracture.

All patients undergoing reduction and internal fixation of radial neck fracture between 2005 and 2015 were analysed. Inclusion criteria comprised Jeffery type 1 fracture with open growth plate, complete file, and ≥1 year's follow-up. Treatment systematically comprised Métaizeau intramedullary nailing, with crossover to open reduction only in case of failure. Good results were defined as full range of motion and pain-free elbow.

Fifty-six patients were included: 33 girls, 23 boys; mean age, 9 years. On the Judet classification modified by Métaizeau, 4 fractures were grade 2, 29 grade 3, 15 grade 4A and 8 grade 4B. Closed reduction was performed in 48 cases, including 8 with the help of percutaneous leverage effect. Eight required a surgical approach. Twenty-three showed postoperative reduction defect. At a mean 74 months’ follow-up, at a mean age of 15 years, 37 patients had reached full skeletal maturity. Sixteen had poor results. Open reduction was associated with poor outcome (p<0.01). Age, initial epiphyseal tilt, associated lesions, immobilisation time, time to nail removal and residual tilt after reduction did not significantly affect outcome (p-values>0.05). Percutaneous leverage effect had no impact on the quality of results (p=1).

Open reduction is to be avoided in radial neck fracture. A prospective study is needed to assess remodelling potential according to age.

IV, retrospective study.