[The treatment of old dislocations of the radial head in children by osteotomy of the upper end of the ulna. Apropos of 15 cases]. / Le traitement des luxations anciennes de la tête radiale chez l'enfant par l'ostéotomie haute du cubitus. A propos de 15 cas.

ABSTRACT

Fifteen old dislocations of the radial head in children were treated by open reduction combined with a high osteotomy of the ulna and a reconstruction of the annular ligament. This method, described by the authors in 1978, was used in nine post-traumatic, three congenital, two paralytic and one dislocation associated with multiple exostoses. Twelve children were reviewed with a follow-up of two to 11 years. Nine radial heads remained stable and well reduced. The three congenital dislocations recurred. Eight elbows showed normal alignment and the other four were only improved. Ten elbows had normal movement or better movement than before the operation. Eleven children used their elbow normally or better than before. In all, 14 children were improved, and only one elbow had unaltered function. The results obtained in congenital dislocations should be able to be improved by a number of technical precautions.