Clinical and radiological results of early pin removal in pediatric radial neck fractures treated with stepwise percutaneous leverage technique

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to compare radiological and clinical results between early (≤3 weeks) and late (>3 weeks) removal of pins in patients treated with the stepwise percutaneous leverage technique for radial neck fractures. METHODS: 37 patients (aged 3-15) who underwent fixation with stepwise percutaneous leverage technique for Judet class III and class IV radial neck fractures between 2003 and 2019 were included in this retrospective study. Patients were divided into two groups according to the time of pin removal; 19 had early pin removal (≤3 weeks) and 18 had late pin removal (>3 weeks). The patients’ radiological results were graded using the Metaizeau classification and their clinical results were evaluated by measuring their range of motion (ROM) and Mayo elbow performance scores (MEPS) at postoperative follow-ups. Statistical tests, including the Mann-Whitney U and Chi-square tests, were performed to compare the demographic factors and outcomes. RESULTS: The mean time of removal of pins for all patients was 21 (10-43) days. The mean time for early and late removal was 15.1 (10-21) and 27.6 (22-43) days, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between groups radiologically according to the Metaizeau classification (P = .723). Furthermore, no statistically significant difference was found in the ROM (extension/flexion: P = .620, pronation/supination: P = .578) or MEPS (P = .695) between groups. CONCLUSION: This study has shown us that early removal of pins in patients with pediatric radial neck fractures treated with stepwise percutaneous leverage technique demonstrated good radiological and clinical results comparable to late pin removal. LEVEL OF EVIDINCE: Level IV, Therapeutic Study