Treatment of radial head fractures with mini-plate and screw in adults

Objective To discuss the treatment of radial head fracture with mini-plate and screw in adults. Methods Eighteen consecutive patients including 12 men and 6 women with a mean age of 32.3 years (range 20 to 46) were treated.According to modified Mason classification,radial head fracture were of typeⅡin 13 cases,and typeⅢin 5 cases.Radial head fractures were fixed with mini-plates or Herbert screws. Aitifical bone graft was placed between radial head and neck if it was necessary.Results Thirteen patients (77.2%) were followed-up for 15.8 months(range 7 to 26 months) with mean healing duration for 14.2 weeks(range l0 to 16 weeks).All fractured radial heads had no ischemic necrosis.The total range of elbow flexion-extension was 122.5°(75°～150°) and forearm rotation was 120.5°(60°～150°).According to Broberg-Morrey function rate scale,the mean score was 89(55～95) and excellent and good rate was 11/13 (84.6%).Conclusion Treatment of Mason typeⅡand partialⅢradial head fractures in adults by open reduction,mini-plate and screw fixation associated with bone graft showed a high union rate of fracture and satisfactory joint function.