Treatment of chronic radial head dislocations in children

• DOI: 10.1007/s00264-006-0153-4
• Publication Date: 2006-06-01T11:02:56Z
• Authors: W. D. Belangero; B. Livani; R. K. Zogaib
• Keywords: Male; Joint Dislocations; Ulna; Osteotomy; 3. Good health; Joint Deformities, Acquired; 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Child, Preschool; Chronic Disease; Humans; Female; Child; Elbow Injuries

From 1990 to 2005 our department treated nine patients with chronic radial head dislocation by an ulnar osteotomy and indirect reduction by interosseous membrane. The patients varied in age from 2 years and 8 months to 10 years, and the time from the injury to operation ranged from 40 days to 3 years. The range of functional motion and carrying angle was restored in all nine patients, and no complications, such as recurrent dislocation, infection, or neurovascular injury were observed. This technique has proven to be a successful approach to treating such cases, with a low range of complications and good functional results.