Percutaneous K-wire reduction and cast immobilization for severely displaced radial neck fractures in children

The purpose of this study was to compare outcomes between percutaneous K-wire reduction cast immobilization (PKRC) and percutaneous K-wire reduction elastic intramedullary nailing combined with cast immobilization (PKRNC) for the treatment of radial neck fractures in children. This was a retrospective analysis of 62 radial neck fractures in children treated with PKRC or PKRNC. Thirty-one children were treated with percutaneous K-wire reduction, K-wire removal after reduction, and cast immobilization while 31 radial neck fractures in controls were managed using PKRNC. There were no significant differences between PKRC and PKRNC with regard to preoperative angulation (P = 0.556). The operation time in the PKRC group was significantly shorter than that of the PKRNC group (P = 0.023). There was no significant difference in the displacement angle when compared between the two groups on the first day and 1 month after surgery (P = 0.617, 0.72). The Mayo elbow performance score of the elbow joint function did not differ significantly between the two groups (P = 0.587). Although the hospital stay was not significantly different between groups (4.81 +/- 1.07 vs. 4.16 +/- 1.59 days; P = 0.067), the PKRNC group required a second hospitalization to remove the elastic intramedullary nail 3 months after the operation. PKRC and PKRNC both achieved satisfactory outcomes for radial neck fractures in children. The operation time in the PKRC group was significantly lower than in the PKRNC group. PKRC does not require reoperation to remove internal fixation. Therefore, PKRC is recommended for radial neck fractures in children.