Judet type-IV fracture of the proximal end of the radius in a 7-year-old child. A surgical case report of open reduction and percutaneous pinning

INTRODUCTION: Fractures of the proximal end of the radius are rare and account for 1 % of all childhood fractures. The treatment of the proximal end of the radius in children depends on age, the degree of angular displacement, and the presence of additional injuries. CASE PRESENTATION: This is a case of a 7-year-old child with a 90-degree angular displaced radial neck Judet type-IV fracture treated with open reduction and intramedullary stabilization with Kirschner wire. Follow-up examinations performed 4 and 12 weeks after the operative treatment revealed very good functional and radiological results. DISCUSSION: In fractures of the radial neck with head displacement reaching 90an open reduction is the method of choice. An undoubted advantage of this method is the possibility of achieving a satisfactory reduction and fixation on the fragments. Although other operative treatment techniques including percutaneous K-wire leverage, Metaizeau technique, may be taken into consideration. CONCLUSION: The method of open reduction and pinning is safe and gives good early outcomes as well as long-term results without leading to impairment of function or deformation of the elbow joint.