Re-dislocation after corrective osteotomy for chronic dislocation of the radial head in children

This retrospective study was designed to evaluate the outcomes of re-dislocation of the radial head after corrective osteotomy for chronic dislocation. A total of 12 children with a mean age of 11 years (5 to 16), with further dislocation of the radial head after corrective osteotomy of the forearm, were followed for a mean of five years (2 to 10). Re-operations were performed for radial head re-dislocation in six children, while the other six did not undergo re-operation ('non-re-operation group'). The active range of movement (ROM) of their elbows was evaluated before and after the first operation, and at the most recent follow-up. In the re-operation group, there were significant decreases in extension, pronation, and supination when comparing the ROM following the corrective osteotomy and following re-operation (p < 0.05). The children who had not undergone re-operation achieved a better ROM than those who had undergone re-operation. There was a significant difference in mean pronation (76° vs 0°) between the nonreoperation and the re-operation group (p = 0.002), and a trend towards increases in mean flexion (133° vs 111°), extension (0° vs 23°), and supination (62° vs 29°). We did not find a clear benefit for re-operation in children with a re-dislocation following corrective osteotomy for chronic dislocation of the radial head.