Effect and treatment of Mason type-III radial head fractures with type-T plate

[Objective]To analyze the result of mini-type T plate for treatment of Mason type-III radial head fracture.[Method]Seven cases of Mason type-Ⅲ radial head fractures,6 male and 1 female,including 2 cases with radial neck fractures,were treated by open reduction and mini-type T plate fixation associated with Kirscher wires.If necessary,bone graft was placed between radial head and neck.[Result]The patients were followed up for an average of 20.3 months(ranged from 14 to 39 months).All fractured radial heads were heal and no case appeared ischemic necrosis.According to the Brobrg and Morrey functional elbow index,the averaged score was 87 points and the outcome was excellent in 2 patients,good in 4,the excellent and good rate was 85.7%.[Conclusion]Treatment of Mason type-Ⅲ radial head fractures by open reduction,mini type T plate fixation assocated with Kerscher's wire and autogenous bone graft showed a high union rate of fracture and satisfactory joint function but no ischemic necrosis with the advantages of reservation of radial head and decreasing the rate of re-section and prosthesis replacement.Further observation should be taken to get more clinical cases number.