Displaced fractures of the head and neck of the radius in children: open reduction and temporary transarticular internal fixation.

This report reviews the results of 36 children surgically treated for fractures of the head and neck of the radius. Indications for operation were: displacement over 2 mm and/or angulation over 45 degrees. Treatment included open reduction and temporary internal fixation with a K-wire transfixing the joint. Eighteen children had a good result, 8 had a fair result, and 10 had a poor result. It appears that when radial head fractures are associated with severe displacement, a high rate of fair and poor results can be expected, despite treatment by open reduction and temporary internal fixation.