European journal of medical research
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Isolated radial neck fractures occur only in rare cases. The majority of cases are non-displaced or minimally displaced and can be treated conservatively. Conservative treatment, however, might result in secondary displacement and/or malunion. On the other hand, open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) as standard surgical approach in adults is associated with non-union, implant-related complications and reduced range of motion. For isolated radial neck fractures with an intact radial head, the procedure of centromedullary pinning--as widely used in the treatment of paediatric radial neck fractures--might be an alternative operative technique in adults as well. The purpose of this retrospective case series therefore was to evaluate the functional outcome of radial neck fractures treated by intramedullary pinning. ⋯ In the present cohort, good to excellent results without relevant complications were seen. The technique of intramedullary pinning as described in the treatment of isolated radial neck fractures in children represents a suitable and reliable method in adults as well. In selected cases, this technique can be recommended as an alternative, minimal-invasive approach to the radial head plate osteosynthesis.