Treatment of chronic post-traumatic dislocation of the radial head in children

Seven children with chronic post-traumatic dislocation of the radial head were treated by open reduction and ligament reconstruction by a triceps tendon slip. In the four patients with anterior dislocation, good results were achieved; in the two with anterolateral dislocations bowing of the ulna persisted and subluxation recurred. One patient with an anterior dislocation developed a radio-ulnar synostosis. For anterolateral dislocations, we advise the combining of open reduction and ligament reconstruction with osteotomy of the ulna.