Treatment of chronic isolated radial head dislocation in children.

Four children had an operative reduction without annular ligament reconstruction for chronic acquired isolated dislocation of the radial head: one girl and three boys with an average age of 7.1 years (range, 4-8.5 years). History indicated that all children had sustained an injury. Results, with an average followup of 50.7 months, were assessed clinically and radiographically. All patients had excellent postoperative functional and radiographic outcomes. Measurements of range of motion of the elbow revealed improved motion in all patients. Reconstruction of the annular ligament seems unnecessary and, therefore, it is suggested that an unreduced radial head dislocation can be treated by simple open reduction and fixation for 6 weeks with a transarticular pin.