Objective  To compare clinical effects of closed reduction and elastic intramedullary nailing fixation versus reduction and fixation by Kirschner wire prying in treating radial neck fracture in children.

  Methods  The clinical data of 82 children with radial neck fracture was retrospectively analyzed. According to different surgical methods, they were divided into Kirschner wire group (n=40) and intramedullary nail group (n=42). Perioperative indicators and postoperative recovery conditions of elbow joint function were compared between the two groups.

  Results  There were no significant differences in the amount of bleeding, length of hospital stay, and fracture healing time between the two groups (P>0.05). The operative time of the intramedullary nail group was (33.69±4.45) min, which was longer than (29.36±4.56) min in the Kirschner wire group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the excellent and good rate of postoperative fracture healing, Mayo elbow function score, range of flexion, extension, pronation and postrotation activities (P>0.05).

  Conclusion  Both closed reduction and elastic intramedullary nailing fixation as well as reduction and fixation by Kirschner wire prying can improve postoperative elbow joint function in children with radial neck fracture, but the latter has shorter operative time.