OBJECTIVETo investigate the feasibility and clinical effects of titanium elastic nail (TEN) for treatment of proximal radius epiphyseal injuries of O'Brien type III.

METHODSFrom October 2008 to November 2009,19 patients with proximal radius epiphyseal injuries of O'Brien type III were treated with internal fixation, including 13 males and 5 females with an average age of 8.3 years old ranging from 6 to 12 years. The average time from injury to surgery was 3.5 days (2 to 7 days). The reduction situation after operation was assessed by Métaizeau criteria, and the elbow function after operation were evaluated by Broberg-Morrey elbow score.

RESULTSAll patients were followed-up for 8.7 months in average (ranged 6 to 12 months). No infection, TEN brokage, skin bursting and other complications occurrenced. According to Métaizeau criteria, the results were excellent in 7 cases, good in 10 cases and fair in 2 cases. The Broberg-Morrey score rose from preoperative (47.3 +/- 5.1) to (86.6 +/- 6.3) at 3 months followed-up (t=139.17, P=0.0002); the outcome was excellent in 7 cases, good in 9 cases, and fair in 3 cases.

CONCLUSIONInternal fixation with TEN in treatment of proximal radius epiphyseal injuries of O'Brien type III has a limited invasion, cosmetic beauty, safety and reliability advantages. This technique provides a reliable alternative in proximal radius epiphyseal injuries of O'Brien type III.