Is Quantitative Radiographic Measurement of Acetabular Version Reliable in Anteverted and Retroverted Hips?

BACKGROUND: The acetabular version is crucial for hip function, and its accurate assessment is necessary for treating patients with hip disorders. Current studies reveal discrepancies in the precision of quantitative radiographic measurements versus CT measurements, but there is a lack of focused analysis on anteverted versus retroverted hips. This study aims to fill this gap by directly comparing the reliability of these two methods in assessing varied hip configurations. QUESTIONS/PURPOSES: (1) How reliable are quantitative radiographic and CT methods in measuring the acetabular version angle? (2) Is there any difference in the reliability of acetabular version angle measurements using radiography compared with CT in anteverted and retroverted hips? (3) What is the extent of variation in acetabular version measurements when quantitative radiographic and CT methods are compared in anteverted and retroverted hips? METHODS: We searched our image archives for patients who had received both radiographs and CT scans between January 2020 and June 2022 and found 84 patients who met the criteria. From these patients, we selected those who presented with hip pain of different causes and who had no previous elective and/or hip trauma surgery, no hip dysplasia, and results from adequate radiographic examinations. Accordingly, 73% (61 of 84) of the patients were included in this study, and angle measurements were performed on both hips of these patients (122 hips). Standardized positioning was meticulously verified for all plain radiographs and CT scans utilized in the measurement process. We measured quantitative angles and assessed qualitative signs of retroversion, including crossover, posterior wall, and ischial spine findings. We considered a hip with at least one of these findings a retroverted hip, and the hips without these findings were included in the anteverted hip group. Three clinicians took measurements independently. Measurement reliability and agreement were examined using intraobserver and interobserver intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), with statistical analyses including paired and independent t-tests. To investigate the reliability of quantitative radiographic and CT methods, we assessed both intraobserver and interobserver agreements. To explore the reliability disparities in measuring the acetabular version via radiography and CT in anteverted and retroverted hips, we analyzed the agreement between measurements from both modalities in the hip groups. Furthermore, to evaluate the degree of variation in acetabular version measurements when comparing quantitative radiographic and CT methods in anteverted and retroverted hips, we utilized paired and independent t-tests to examine the measurement differences within these hip categories. The difference between radiographic and CT measurements was also evaluated by Bland-Altman analysis. RESULTS: Quantitative radiographic measurements showed intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities with ICCs of 0.87 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.91) and 0.78 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.82), respectively, and CT measurements demonstrated higher reliabilities with ICCs of 0.92 (95% CI 0.90 to 0.93) and 0.91 (95% CI 0.89 to 0.92), respectively. The reliability of measuring the acetabular version in anteverted hips was moderate, with an ICC of 0.59 (95% CI 0.49 to 0.68). In contrast, retroverted hips showed an ICC of -0.41 (95% CI -1.17 to 0.08), indicating a lack of consistency between quantitative radiographic and CT measurements. Variation in measurement on plain radiographs in anteverted hips was less than that of retroverted hips (mean ± SD absolute difference between anteverted hips and retroverted hips 3° ± 3° versus 6° ± 4°; p = 0.0001), indicating greater variability in the radiographic measurement of retroverted hips. According to Bland-Altman analysis, we observed that the difference between radiographic and CT measurements was well outside the CI, especially in retroverted hips. CONCLUSION: Although quantitative radiographic measurement demonstrates acceptable intraobserver and interobserver reliabilities, its precision is lower than that of CT-based measurements. Specifically, quantitative radiographic methods are prone to a larger margin of error in retroverted hips. For more precise assessments of acetabular version, especially in retroverted hips, we recommend using CT measurement instead of the radiographic method. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level III, diagnostic study.

Evaluation of the clavicular tunnel placement on coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction for acromioclavicular dislocations: a finite element analysis.

PURPOSE: The two-tunnel coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction (CLR) technique is one of the treatment approaches commonly used in the surgical treatment of acromioclavicular (AC) injuries. Clavicular tunnel malposition is one of the major causes of failure in coracoclavicular ligament reconstruction. The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of clavicular tunnel placement on tendon loading in the CLR technique with finite element analysis. METHODS: Models of clavicle and scapula were constructed using computerized tomography images. Two clavicular bone tunnel reconstruction models were created with the tendon passing through the conoid and trapezoid tunnels. Four models based on the tunnel ratio (TR) method and defined as primary, anatomic, medialized, and lateralized were constructed to evaluate the effect of tunnel placement on loading conditions during tendon graft. All models were loaded by insertion from the trapezius and sternocleidomastoid muscles. The loading on the tendon were evaluated with the finite element analysis. RESULTS: The highest load value measured on the tendon was in the anatomic model (0.789 kPa), and the lowest load value (0.598 kPa) was measured in the lateralized tunnel model. The load value of the primary model was (0.657 kPa), and the medialized model's value was (0.752 kPa). CONCLUSIONS: In two-tunnel CLR technique, tendon loadings are related to tunnel placement. Medialized tunnel placement increases tendon loading. The TR method may be an appropriate option for determining tunnel placement.

The results of Scarf osteotomy combined with distal soft tissue procedure are mostly satisfactory in surgical management of moderate to severe hallux valgus.

BACKGROUND: Intrinsically stable diaphyseal osteotomy gained popularity in recent years for symptomatic hallux valgus deformities. In this study, Scarf osteotomy results, in surgical management of moderate to severe hallux valgus, are presented. METHODS AND PATIENTS: Study group consisted of 40 feet of 32 (28 females, four males) patients surgically managed by Scarf osteotomy between September 2009 and 2011, with a mean age of 52,98 (range, 31-75) years at the time of surgery. Patient satisfaction and VAS were used for subjective evaluation while for objective measures AOFAS score, first metatarsophalangeal joint ROM and radiological measurements (intermetatarsal, hallux valgus and distal metatarsal articular angles) were evaluated. RESULTS: Mean follow-up period was 38 (range, 24-60) months. Sixteen feet (40%) were reported as very satisfied, 19 (47,5%) as satisfied and the remaining five (12,5%) as unsatisfied resulting with a total of 35 (87,5%) satisfaction. The mean preoperative VAS and AOFAS forefoot scores improved from 8,13±0,791 to 2,68±1,228 (p=0,0001) and from 58,25±6,15 to 78,25±8,13 (p=0,0001) on the final follow-up, respectively. The postoperative change of first metatarsophalangeal joint ROM was not statistically significant (p=0,281). On the radiological evaluation; intermetatarsal and hallux valgus angles improved from a mean value of 14,77±1,76 to 8,13±1,52° (p=0,0001) and from 35,28±5,86 to 20,10±5,55° (p=0,0001), respectively. Distal metatarsal articular angle did not show any statistically significant change (p=0,195). CONCLUSION: Scarf osteotomy combined with distal soft tissue procedure is a technically demanding procedure. The osteotomy is intrinsically stable and the correction power is high and the results are mostly satisfactory.

A unique case of right-sided Poland syndrome with true dextrocardia and total situs inversus.

Poland syndrome has been reported to be associated with true dextrocardia, but not with true situs inversus. In this report, we describe the first patient with total situs inversus in medical literature and try to highlight the syndrome's probable etiology and pathogenetic mechanisms in utero.

Longitudinal Epiphyseal Bracket as an Overlooked Etiology of Congenital-Residual Hallux Varus: A Case Report.

Longitudinal epiphyseal bracket is a rare ossification disorder of the short tubular bones. The affected bone becomes deformed as a result of the bracket. The normal growth pattern cannot occur, and when it affects the first metatarsal bone, hallux varus may develop with the abnormal growth pattern. We present such a 6-year-old patient who had undergone surgery at 6 months of age for hallux varus and polydactyly. The deformity had worsened gradually after the initial operation because of the overlooked longitudinal epiphyseal bracket. The patient was treated with surgical excision of the epiphyseal bracket, with corrective medial open wedge osteotomy and split transfer of the extensor hallucis longus tendon. The result was excellent at the 20-month follow-up. At an early age, patients who present with hallux varus must be checked for the epiphyseal bracket, which can be invisible on radiographs because of the chondral structure. Untreated or overlooked patients with epiphyseal bracket will need revision operations for recurrent deformities.

A new modification of the Trapdoor Procedure without surgical hip dislocation in the management of patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head: A retrospective case series.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper was to investigate the mid-term results of a modified Trapdoor procedure that can allow grafting of the femoral head without surgical hip dislocation in the management of patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head. METHODS: 16 hips of 12 patients (7 female, 5 male; mean age = 38.5 ± 10.7) surgically treated by the new modification of Trapdoor procedure were retrospectively reviewed and included in the study. Based on the Association Research Circulation Osseous (ARCO) classification system, seven hips (43.7%) were stage 2, and nine hips (56.3%) were stage 3. The mean follow-up was 48.4 ± 25.7 months (range = 12-107). All the patients were evaluated postoperatively at the 6th week, 3rd month, 6th month, 1st year, and annually thereafter until their final follow-up. Clinical assessment was performed using the Harris Hip scoring (HHS) system, Non-Arthritic Hip score (NAHS) and Visual analogue pain scale (VAS). At the final follow-up, degenerative changes were examined according to the Kellgren-Lawrence scale. RESULTS: ThemeanHHS increased from53.43 ± 9.0 (range = 36-67) preoperatively to 83.81 ± 6.1 (range = 72-95) at the final follow-up (P < 0,001). Themean NAHS increased from 51.5 ± 8.2 (range = 36.25-61.25) preoperatively to 86 ± 3.2 (range = 81.5-90) (P < 0,001) at the final follow-up. The mean preoperative VAS decreased from 7.85 ± 0.9 (range = 6.45-9.5) to 3.05 ± 0.9 (range = 1.6-5.2) (P < 0,001) at the final follow-up. 13 hips demonstrated 80 and higher scores according toHHS. In the remaining three hips (ARCOstage 3), the mean postoperative HHS, NAHS, and VAS scores were 76, 82, and 3,2 respectively. According to Kellgren-Lawrence scale, three hips (18,75%) were determined as grade 0, 10 hips (62.5%) as grade 1, and 3 hips (18.75%) as grade 2. CONCLUSION: The Modified Trapdoor procedure without surgical hip dislocation seems to be a suitable technique with favorable clinical outcomes for the treatment of ARCO stage 2 and stage 3 osteonecrosis of the femoral head. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV, Therapeutic Study.

No evidence of infection after retrograde nailing of supracondylar femur fracture in gunshot wounds.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the study was to determine whether osteomyelitis of the femur or septic arthritis of the knee develops after retrograde intramedullary nailing of the femur performed within 7 days of supracondylar femur fracture, secondary to gunshot wounds, without skin defects. METHODS: Fifteen patients with a mean age of 27.8 years (range, 18-52 years), with supracondylar fractures of the femur due to gunshot wounds and without skin defects. Retrograde intramedullary nails were inserted through the intercondylar notch of the femur. We evaluated whether osteomyelitis of the femur or ipsilateral septic arthritis of the knee joint developed postoperatively. RESULTS: None of the patients who were followed up for a mean period of 11.7 months (range, 9-16 months) showed evidence of ipsilateral septic arthritis of the knee or osteomyelitis of the femur. CONCLUSION: Retrograde intramedullary nailing of the femur can be performed in patients with supracondylar fractures of the femur due to gunshot wounds, and without skin defects, in the first 7 days after the trauma. Neither osteomyelitis of the femur nor septic arthritis of the knee develops in these patients.

Werner's syndrome: a quite rare disease for differential diagnosis of scleroderma.

Werner's syndrome (WS) is an autosomal recessive disorder characterized by premature aging. The main features of the disease are scleroderma-like skin appearance, premature atherosclerosis, short stature, diabetes mellitus, early osteoporosis and early aging. Herein, we describe a patient with WS, who has scleroderma-like skin changes and discuss the literature about WS as a disease in the differential diagnosis of systemic sclerosis.

Association of maternal serum high sensitive C-reactive protein level with body mass index and severity of pre-eclampsia at third trimester.

AIM: To assess a maternal serum level of high sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) as a useful clinical parameter in prediction of pre-eclampsia severity and, to evaluate the correlation between hs-CRP and body mass index (BMI). MATERIAL & METHODS: Using cross-sectional study design, CRP was measured by a high sensitive immunoturbidimetric method between 24 and 40 weeks of gestation in normotensive controls (n = 115), in mild (n = 63) and severe (n = 34) pre-eclamptic patients. The receiver operating characteristic analysis was used to estimate the optimal threshold score of hs-CRP. RESULTS: For disease severity evaluation, a hs-CRP concentration of 9.66 mg/L was determined as cut-off point with 88% sensitivity, 81% specificity, 71% positive predictive value and 92% negative predictive value. When all three groups of patients were adjusted for gestational age [24(°/7) -27,(6/7) 28(°/7) -33,(6/7) 34(°/7) -40(6/7) ] and BMI, hs-CRP levels of severe pre-eclamptic patients were significantly higher than mild ones and controls in the study group with BMI < 25 kg/m(2) (P < 0.001). In the study group with BMI ≥ 25 kg/m(2), only severe pre-eclamptic patients between 28(°/7) and 33(6/7) weeks of gestation had significantly higher hs-CRP levels when compared with control and mild pre-eclamptic group (P < 0.001). When the patients were subgrouped as high (≥ 9.66 mg/L) and low hs-CRP group (< 9.66 mg/L), adverse outcomes for hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelet count (HELLP) syndrome and intrauterine growth-restricted baby were statistically significant higher in high hs-CRP group (P = 0.004 and P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION: Elevated level of hs-CRP is a useful parameter in the severity of clinical risk of pre-eclampsia in patients with BMI < 25 kg/m(2) at third trimester.

Transosseous capsuloplasty improves the outcomes of Lindgren-Turan distal metatarsal osteotomy in moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity.

INTRODUCTION: Lindgren-Turan osteotomy used in hallux valgus deformity is a subcapital, transverse displacement osteotomy of the first metatarsal without any additional capsular repair. The aims of this study are to describe a transosseous capsuloplasty technique in this procedure and evaluate whether capsuloplasty would improve the clinical and radiological outcomes in patients with moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity. METHODS: Twenty-three feet operated by Lindgren-Turan osteotomy (Group B) and 25 feet operated by the same osteotomy combined with transosseous capsuloplasty (Group A) were evaluated retrospectively for the correction of the hallux valgus, intermetatarsal and distal metatarsal articular angles, sesamoid reduction, American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) Clinical Rating Scale as well as patient satisfaction. The mean postoperative follow-up was 14 (range 12-28) months. RESULTS: All radiological parameters improved considerably as a result of both groups. However, postoperative improvements in intermetatarsal and distal metatarsal articular angles were greater in Group A. Complete reduction of medial sesamoid was achieved in 52% of patients in Group A, whereas 17.4% of patients in Group B had complete reduction. AOFAS scores and number of patients with complete satisfaction in Group A were significantly greater than that in Group B. CONCLUSION: Better clinical and radiological outcomes can be achieved in patients with moderate to severe hallux valgus deformity operated by Lindgren-Turan distal metatarsal osteotomy, when it combines with transosseous capsuloplasty.

A new radiographic measurement method for evaluation of tibial torsion: a pilot study in adults.

UNLABELLED: Computed tomography (CT) frequently is used to determine torsional abnormalities. However, its use in clinical practice may be limited. We present a new method for measuring tibial torsion using conventional radiographs. We compared the method with several clinical methods and with CT measurement in 44 lower extremities of 25 subjects. The radiographic method agreed well with all of the clinical methods, and this agreement was better than agreement between CT and clinical examination. The best agreement was between thigh-foot angle and the radiographic method. The proposed radiographic measurement is a practical method for evaluation of tibial torsion in outpatient clinics without the need for specialized equipment. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level II, diagnostic study.

The relationship between bone marrow edema size and knee pain.

The purpose of our study was to determine the changes in the size of the edema observed on MRI scans and its relation to the activity pain of the patient and the rest pain in bone marrow edema (BME). A total of 51 patients were followed up at 3-month intervals for a period of 1 year. During the follow-ups, MRI scans of the patients' knees were obtained; the scores obtained on the Stanmore functional rating scale and visual analog scale were determined. The changes in these parameters and the correlation between them were examined. The following are the observations recorded during the bone marrow edema follow-ups: the size of the edema as observed on MRI scans decreased, and the activity pain and the rest pain decreased. While there is a correlation between the decrease in the edema size observed on MRI scans and decrease in the activity pain, there is no correlation between the decrease in the edema size observed on MRI scans and the decrease in rest pain. No changes were observed after a particular period of time with regard to decrease in the edema size observed on MRI scans, decrease in activity pain, and decrease in rest pain in follow-ups of BME patients.

Fracture of an expandable intramedullary nail. Surgical technique for nail removal.

Intramedullary nailing with expandable nails is one of the techniques available for the treatment of fractures of long bones. Concerns regarding bony union have been reported in medical literature, but no case of femoral nail breakage secondary to delayed union has been reported to date. We present a case of a broken expandable femoral nail secondary to delayed union, and we describe the technique used for its extraction.

Patients with isolated musculoskeletal trauma have lower mental status scores.

UNLABELLED: The subjective concerns and needs of patients who have experienced trauma are important to recovery. However, the mental status of patients with isolated musculoskeletal trauma is not known. Is the mental status of such patients different and does the severity, site, and type of trauma affect this difference? We evaluated the mental status of 195 patients hospitalized for isolated musculoskeletal trauma and determined the characteristics of the factors that affect mental status; 197 patients hospitalized for elective surgery and not exposed to acute trauma constituted the control group. We administered the Mini-Mental State Examination to study and control groups within the first 24 hours of hospitalization. Age, gender, and educational status in the study and control groups were recorded. In addition, the severity, site, and type of trauma in the study group were recorded. Mini-Mental State Examination scores of the trauma group were lower than those of the control group. Mini-Mental State Examination scores decreased with increasing trauma severity. The mental status of the patients sustaining isolated musculoskeletal trauma was affected by the severity, site, and type of trauma. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level I, prognostic study. See the Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.

Evaluation of serum selenium levels in Turkish women with gestational diabetes mellitus, glucose intolerants, and normal controls.

The aim of the study was to investigate the association between serum selenium levels in patients with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and glucose intolerants and compare them with those of glucose-tolerant pregnant women. This cross-sectional study was prospectively performed in a total of 178 pregnant women undergoing a 50-g oral glucose tolerance test between 24 and 28 weeks of gestation who were grouped according to their status of glucose tolerance as with gestational diabetes (group A, abnormal 1- and 3-h glucose tolerance test; n = 30), glucose intolerant (group B, abnormal 1-h but normal 3-h glucose tolerance test; n = 47), or normal controls (group C, normal 1-h glucose test; n = 101). Serum selenium levels were measured with a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometer using a matrix modifier. Median maternal age and gestational age at the time of diagnosis in group A (gestational age = 24.8 [24-27]), group B (gestational age = 24.7 [24-27]), and group C (gestational age = 25 [24-28]) did not differ. Patients with gestational diabetes mellitus and those with glucose intolerants had lower selenium level than that of the normal pregnant women (P < 0.001). There was a significant inverse correlation between selenium and blood glucose level, and also selenium supplementation might prove beneficial on patients with GDM and prevent or retard them from secondary complications of diabetes.

Focal fibrocartilaginous dysplasia in the humerus.

Focal fibrocartilaginous dysplasia is an uncommon, benign bone lesion that causes deformity of the long bones in young children. It has most commonly been encountered in the proximal tibia, and very rarely in the long bones of the upper limb, that is, the proximal humerus, distal radius, ulna, and proximal phalanx. Only one case of focal fibrocartilaginous dysplasia of the proximal humerus has been reported previously. The present study reports two such additional cases that were diagnosed in late childhood. The clinical presentation and radiographic findings are described with an emphasis on the natural evolution of the disease. Limb-length discrepancy is anticipated in these children in the long-term follow-up and, therefore, surgical intervention should be considered in the treatment.

A new screw fixation technique for minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis.

Minimally invasive percutaneous plate osteosynthesis (MIPPO) has well-documented biological advantages and appears to be a reasonable treatment option for complex femoral and tibial fractures. However additional radiation exposure during reduction of the fracture, application of the plate to the bone and screw fixation is one of the disadvantages of this technique. We describe a technical trick for screw fixation in MIPPO with locking compression plates which decreases the duration of fluoroscopy use during the operation.

[The results of the Grice subtalar extra-articular arthrodesis for pes planovalgus deformity in patients with cerebral palsy]. / Pes planovalguslu serebral felçli olgularda Grice subtalar eklem disi artrodezinin sonuçlari.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the results of the Grice subtalar extra-articular arthrodesis for pes planovalgus deformity in patients with cerebral palsy and its effectiveness in providing hindfoot alignment. METHODS: Grice subtalar extra-articular arthrodesis was performed for pes planovalgus deformity in 14 feet of nine patients (5 males, 4 females; mean age 10.3 years; range 6 to 12 years) with cerebral palsy. Six patients were diplegic, two patients were paraplegic, and one patient was hemiplegic. Four patients had unilateral, five patients had bilateral involvement. A fibular graft taken from the distal third of the fibula above the syndesmosis was used in all the patients without any fixation material. The patients were assessed with the AOFAS (American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society) hindfoot scoring system pre- and postoperatively. The mean follow-up was 30 months (range 6 to 81 months). RESULTS: Compared with the preoperative values, the mean AOFAS hindfoot score increased from 53 (range 41 to 81) to 68.4 (range 51 to 96), the mean talocalcaneal angle decreased from 52.6 degrees to 30.4 degrees , and from 55.8 degrees to 35.9 degrees in frontal and sagittal planes, respectively (p<0.05). The mean ankle valgus angle measured on anteroposterior radiographs remained unchanged (mean 5 degrees ). Of five patients who underwent bilateral surgery, three (21.4%) developed donor-site fibular nonunion on one side. One (7.1%) of these patients also had graft nonunion and displacement. Treatment was rated as satisfactory by the parents of seven patients (77.8%; p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Despite donor-site morbidity, the Grice subtalar extra-articular arthrodesis is an effective procedure for the correction of hindfoot alignment in patients with pes planovalgus deformity secondary to cerebral palsy.

[Calcific myonecrosis]. / Kalsifik miyonekroz: Olgu sunumu.

Calcific myonecrosis is a rare complication of limb trauma, that may occur after many years. It is characterized by dystrophic calcification that develops in the late period following compartment syndrome usually in the lower limb. We present a 66-year-old man who developed calcific myonecrosis 35 years after surgical intervention for compartment syndrome secondary to a gunshot injury to the left thigh. He presented with pain and swelling in the left leg. On physical examination, there was a well-defined and immobile mass lesion in the anterolateral part of the left crus, soft in consistency and 20 x 8 x 6 cm in size, showing no relation with the joint. Radiographic evaluation showed linear calcifications in the left crus without osseous pathology. At surgery, all the fibers in the anterior tibial compartment were calcified and there was no attachment to the bone. The patient underwent an excisional biopsy. Histopathological evaluation of the specimens revealed calcific myonecrosis. At the end of one-year follow-up, the patient was symptomless, without any recurrence.

[The results of treatment in pediatric Monteggia equivalent lesions]. / Cocuklardaki Monteggia esdeger lezyonlarinda tedavi sonuçlari.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the results of conservative and surgical treatment of pediatric Monteggia equivalent lesions. METHODS: The study included 13 children (3 females, 10 males; mean age 8 years; range 4 to 13 years) who underwent treatment for Monteggia equivalent lesions. Seven patients (53.9%) had Bado type 1 and six patients (46.2%) had type 3 equivalent lesions. Two patients with type 3 equivalent lesions also had a lateral humeral condyle fracture. On presentation, one patient (7.7%) had radial nerve palsy. Primarily, closed reduction was attempted in all the patients except for one patient who underwent urgent debridement and irrigation for an open fracture-dislocation. Reduction was successful in eight patients (61.5%). Upon failure of closed reduction, four patients (30.8%) underwent surgery within the first 24 hours of injury. Functional assessment was made according to the Reckling's criteria. The mean follow-up period was 4.1 years (range 2 to 7 years). RESULTS: None of the patients had nonunion. Conservative treatment did not result in loss of reduction of the radius head or limitation in the range of motion of the elbow joint. Except for the patient with an open fracture-dislocation leading to a poor functional result, the results were good in all the patients receiving conservative or surgical treatment. One patient (7.7%) treated conservatively developed cubitus varus (5 degrees ) and posterior angulation (20 degrees ) of the ulnar fracture line. One patient treated surgically had limitation of supination (10 degrees ) without limitation of flexion or extension of the elbow joint. Accompanying radial nerve palsy in this patient disappeared in the postoperative third month. CONCLUSION: Closed reduction is the first choice of treatment in pediatric Monteggia equivalent lesions. Surgical treatment becomes necessary if closed reduction fails.