Leverage method in displaced fractures of the radial neck in children.

Abstract

Displaced radial neck fractures in children usually are treated by open reduction, which introduces additional trauma. Furthermore, the results are not always excellent. In two series of radial neck fractures in children (Types II and III of O'Brien classification), ten were treated surgically (Group I) and 12 were treated by percutaneous leverage method with a Kirschner wire immediately removed after the reduction (Group II). The overall results in Group 2 were better than in Group I. Surgical reduction should be reserved for failed reductions by percutaneous leverage method.