Cross-screws fixation for radial neck fractures

Objective To evaluate the cross-screws fixation for displaced radial neck fractures. Methods A total of 29 patients with displaced radial neck fracture (Mason type Ⅱb) were treated by open reduction and cross-screws fixation at our department from October 2009 to August 2012. They were 18 males and 11 females, aged from 18 to 56 years (average, 37.2 years). The fractures affected 16 left and 13 right sides. The time from injury to operation was from 3 to 72 hours, with an average of 33.9 hours. All fractures were displaced by more than 2 mm or angulated by more than 30°, and caused by simple falling. The elbow function was evaluated by the Broberg & Morrey scoring system at one year postoperation. Results All the 29 patients were followed up for an average of 16 months (range, from 12 to 29 months). All fractures healed within 3 months, ranging from 4 to 12 weeks (mean, 10.6 weeks). By the Broberg & Morrey scores at one year postoperation, 15 patients were rated as excellent, 10 as good, 3 as fair and one as poor, giving an excellent to good rate of 86.2% . No wound infection, neural injury, fracture displacement or fixation failure occurred. No implants were removed due to local uneasiness. Conclusion Cross-screws fixation can achieve satisfactory outcomes for radial neck fractures. Key words: Radius; Elbow ioint; Fracture fixation, internal; Bone nails