[Herbert screw fixation for the treatment of capitulum radius fracture: a report of 15 cases].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the short-term therapeutic effects of Herbert screw fixation on type Mason II, Ill radial head fractures. METHODS: From March 2008 to July 2010,15 patients with Mason II, III radial head fractures were treated by open reduction and Herbert screw fixation including 6 males and 9 females with the mean age of 32 years (from 18 to 55). Seven cases were left and 8 cases were right. The interval from injury to hospitalization ranged from 3 to 10 hours. The clinical symptoms were swelling, pain, restricted movement in elbow. Bonycrepitus were heard on the elbow joint and X-ray film showed radial head fractures. Mayo elbow scoring system was used to evaluate recovery of elbow function. RESULTS: All the incisions primarily healed without myositis ossificans. All the patients were followed up for 6 to 15 months. According to Mayo elbow score, the result was excellent in 8 cases, good in 5 cases and fair in 2 cases. Mayo score was (86.67+/-1.26) points, which including pain (53.33+/-9.76), joint function(27.33+/-4.58), joint stability(6.00+/-2.07) elbow joint mobility was 70 degrees-130 degrees with the average of (105+/-10) degrees, forearm rotation was 1000-1300 with the average of (120+/-16) degrees. CONCLUSION: Treatment of Mason II, II radial head fractures with Herbert screw fixation has advantages of satisfactory reduction, reliable fixation,easy operating and early movement of joint.