Modified technique for correction of isolated radial head dislocation without apparent ulnar bowing: a retrospective case study

OBJECTIVE: There is currently no general consensus on the optimal treatment of chronic radial head dislocation.

MATERIAL AND METHODS: Considering that the annular ligament is important in maintaining elbow stability, we developed a modified method for annular ligament reconstruction in pediatric cases of radial head dislocation without ulnar bowing. We retrospectively investigated the therapeutic outcomes of this technique in a series of cases. We used our modified technique for the treatment of five patients between January 2006 and January 2012. The average age of the patients at the time of injury was 9 years (range, 6-14 years), and the patients were followed up for 1 to 3 years.

RESULTS: The perioperative and follow-up data of the patients were examined. All five surgical procedures were completed uneventfully and had been tolerated well by the patients, with minimal complications. Remarkable improvement was noted in all the cases at the end of the follow-up period.

CONCLUSIONS: Our modified technique for annular ligament reconstruction was effective in achieving good reduction of the radial head dislocation with minimal complications in pediatric cases of isolated radial head dislocation without apparent ulnar bowing.