Prospective Study to Evaluate Functional Outcome of Paediatric Radial Neck Fractures Treated by Metaizeau Technique

Abstract

Background: Radial neck fractures in children are a rare injury, and the timing of surgery as well as the surgical technique will determine how well they respond to treatment. When the tilt surpasses 60 degrees, radial neck fractures in children are signicant injuries with frequent after effects. In these situations, conservative treatment is frequently insufcient, and open reduction may result in iatrogenic consequences. Retrograde intramedullary nailing of the radius is one method of treating dislocated radial neck fractures in children (the Metaizeau technique). Aim: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the functional outcome of Metaizeau technique. Methodology: After taking proper consent and ethical clearance a prospective study was conducted in 16 cases of closed radial neck fractures in children aged 6-12 years without any neurovascular decit. Patients were treated by Metaizeau technique at Jorhat medical college and Hospital from 2021-2022 and were followed up at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 6 weeks, 10weeks and 12 weeks. Result: In this study, it is found that this technique is safe and effective in treating radial neck fracture in children. The fracture should be reduced within 7 days of injury. Later on, fracture reduction will be difcult because of brosis and fracture healing. In our study, average age was 9 years. Males were affected more than females and the common mode of injury was fall on outstretched hand. All cases achieved radiological and clinical union by 6 weeks. All cases achieved comparable exion-extension of elbow, supination-pronation of the forearm (as compared to healthy side). Average MEPS was 82.19 which was quite remarkable. Only one patient developed entry site pressure necrosis by cut end of TENS nail. The other disadvantage of this technique was need of second surgery for tens removal. Metaizeau technique is a minimally Conclusion: invasive technique with easy learning curve, minimal tissue damage, and reduced chance of elbow stiffness and osteonecrosis of radial head. Our results are within the acceptable range of satisfactory outcomes, if not more towards the better end of the outcomes quoted in literature.