FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF RADIAL NECK FRACTURE TREATED WITH RADIAL HEAD EXCISION

Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the functional outcome of radial head excision for fractures of the radial head. Materials and methods: Eleven closed fractures of the radial head treated by resection were reviewed. The mean age of the patients in the series was 39 years and 60% were men and 40% were women. 90% of the fractures were Mason type III and 10% of the fracture were Manson type II. The mean postoperative follow-up was 12 months (range, 3-18 months). The functional assessment of the elbow and wrist was made according to the criteria of Morrey and Cooney. Radiologically, elbow carrying angle, and presence of degenerative changes and calcifications in the wrist and elbow were assessed. Results: All the patients presented a mean proximal migration of the radial head of 1.5 mm, and the carrying angle showed an average increase of 8.3°. Conclusions: Despite the mechanical changes that were produced, excision of the radial head in adults barely changed upper limb function and more than 85% of the patients obtained excellent or good results. Key words: Radial head fractures, Radial head excision, Functional outcome