Pediatric radial head fracture: case report and literature review

Fabian R. Mantilla-Angarita, Departamento de Ortopedia y Traumatología, Hospital Universitario de Santander, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
María F. Ochoa-Ariza, Departamento de Ortopedia y Traumatología, Hospital Universitario de Santander, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
Jaider A. Dávila-López, Departamento de Ortopedia y Traumatología, Hospital Universitario de Santander, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia
Andrea C. Gamarra-Patrón, Departamento de Ortopedia y Traumatología, Hospital Universitario de Santander, Bucaramanga, Santander, Colombia

Elbow fractures in the pediatric population are uncommon, and when focusing on the location of the trauma, radial head fractures are the third most common type, leading to a less frequent clinical scenario. It has been observed that management strategies for this type of injury vary among authors regarding the degrees of angulation tolerated for conservative treatment, as well as the surgical techniques employed. We present a case of a 10-year-old patient with a Judet IV radial head fracture. This case emphasizes a surgical approach for fractures with angulation exceeding 30°, as well as the importance of a comprehensive preoperative evaluation and surgical planning to address intraoperative complications, aiming to ensure proper joint growth and functionality.

Keywords: Radial dome fracture. Pediatrics. Closed reduction. Percutaneous fixation. Open reduction.