Radial neck fracture reduction and fixation by titanium elastic nail (Metaizeau): A method used in adults too

Radial neck fractures comprises of less than 1% of all fractures in adults. They are more common in children than adults. Majority of cases require surgical management especially in adults. Surgically preferred management comprises of closed/open reduction and internal fixation using various types of plates/wires .We have performed Metaizeau technique in seven adults with successful treatment and functional outcome. This technique is very well described in children. Background In adults, isolated radial neck fractures are very rare with incidence of 1% of all fractures. The prognosis depends upon the degree of displacement, the age of the patient, associated elbow injury and the method the treatment. Less than 30 degree of angulation is generally acceptable. Restoration of radial neck angulation and displacement is essential to restore the normal biomechanics and stability of the elbow. Open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) is associated with non-union, implant related complications, reduced range of motion, heterotrophic bone formation and avascular necrosis of the radial head. The standard procedure accepted for isolated radial neck in pediatric age group is centromedullary pinning (Metaizeau technique). Methodology Between January 2016-January 2017, 7 patients were operated with TENS(Metaizeau technique).Chosen patients were diagnosed with isolated radial neck fractures without elbow joint instability. Fracture morphology in all the patients had angulation more than 30 degrees and were displaced. All the patients had type 3 fracture according to Mason’s classification and type 2 or 3 according to Judet classification. The mean age of the patients was 32 years old and all were operated with 7 days of suffering the injury. The mean followup was for the duration of 9 months. Fig. 1: Anterior posterior and lateral view of radial