The Analysis and Comparison of Two Methods in the Treatment of Comminuted Radial Head Fractures

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the treatment of patients with Mason typeⅢ radial head fracture by open reduction with internal fixation or artificial joint replacement.A small retrospective study was done on data of 24 patients with radial head fractures(Mason III)treated in our department from October 2012 to March 2014.Fractures with open reduction and internal fixation(ORIF)in 17cases(group 1),compared with 7cases where radial head prosthesis was performed(group 2).The mean clinical and radiological follow-up was 12months(6to 18).Also group 1was compared with group 2in the number of days of hospitalization and costs.The Broberg-Morrey index showed excellent results in both groups.Post-operative evaluation of these two different techniques revealed similar ranges of movement and functional scores.Both groups showed equal time of hospitalization,and the costs of group 1were lower than group 2.The radial head fractures should be given anatomical reduction for early functional exercise.ORIF and arthroplasty have the equal therapeutic effect.