Treatment of displaced radial head fractures by internal fixation with absorbable pins

Objective: To study the effect of internal fixation with absorbable pins on treatment of displaced radial head fractures. Methods: From May 1999 to May 2004, 16 patients with displaced radial head fractures (Mason typesⅡandⅢ) were treated with internal fixation by absorbable pins. The duration of follow-up averaged 22.6 months (12-58 months). The outcome was assessed on the basis of elbow motion, radiographic findings and the functional rating score delineated by Broberg and Morrey. Results:All fractures healed within 10 months without avascular necrosis of radial head. The mean elbow flexion loss was 15°(0°-35°), and pronation and supination decreased by 10°(0°-30°) on average compared with those of the contralateral elbow. Five patients had an excellent result, 6 a good result, and 3 a fair result according to the criteria of Borberg and Morrey. Conclusions: Internal fixation with absorbable pins is an effective method in treating displaced radial head fractures. It can maintain the biomechanical stability of forearm, improve the elbow function and avoid second operation.     

移位桡骨头骨折的内固定治疗

目的探讨内固定治疗移位桡骨头骨折的方法和临床疗效。方法 2005年8月-2009年5月,采用切开复位、可吸收软骨固定钉和/或AO微型接骨板内固定治疗移位桡骨头骨折35例。男28例,女7例;年龄17～48岁,平均28.4岁。致伤原因:交通事故伤16例,摔伤13例,高处坠落伤6例。骨折根据Mason分型:Ⅱ型21例,Ⅲ型9例,Ⅳ型5例。均为闭合性骨折,其中合并桡骨颈骨折6例,尺骨鹰嘴骨折1例,肘关节后脱位3例,肘关节后脱位和尺骨冠状突骨折1例,尺侧副韧带损伤3例。伤后至手术时间3～7d。结果术后1例切口感染Ⅱ期愈合;其余患者切口均Ⅰ期愈合。35例均获随访,随访时间12～25个月,平均17个月。骨折均获骨性愈合,愈合时间8～16周,平均10.2周。末次随访时,肘关节屈伸达95～145°,平均119°;旋转(旋前加旋后)90～175°,平均126°。肘关节功能根据Broberg和Morrey肘关节评分标准评定,获优18例,良13例,可4例,优良率88.6%。结论对于移位桡骨头骨折,根据骨折类型选择可吸收软骨固定钉和/或AO微型接骨板内固定治疗,近期疗效满意。     

切开复位内固定治疗移位的桡骨头骨折

[目的]探讨切开复位内固定治疗成人移位桡骨头骨折的手术技术。[方法]本组移位桡骨头骨折26例,MasonⅡ型16例,Ⅲ型6例,Ⅳ型4例。22例用肘后外侧Kocher切口,另外4例用肘后正中切口以便同时处理合并的尺骨近端骨折。复位后用微型钢板螺钉固定,并使内固定物不妨碍关节活动。[结果]随访平均32个月,无骨间后神经损伤及感染发生,26例骨折均顺利愈合。按照Broberg和Morrey肘部评分标准,优17例,良9例。[结论]切开复位内固定治疗移位桡骨头骨折可取得满意疗效,术中应注意以下方面：（1）保护、修复尺骨外侧副韧带;（2）防止损伤骨间后神经;（3）努力达到解剖复位;（4）固定既要坚强可靠,又要不阻碍关节的运动。     

Degradable polyglycolide rods for the internal fixation of displaced bimalleolar fractures

Summary Cylindrical biodegradable rods of self-reinforced polyglycolide were constructed for internal fixation of fractures in cancellous bone. The self-reinforced texture was achieved by embedding polyglycolide fibres in a polyglycolide matrix. In a prospective clinical study, 62 patients with displaced bimalleolar fractures were managed by open reduction and internal fixation using these rods. The results were assessed between 1.1 and 3.4 years from implantation. One wound infection occurred (1.6%). Five patients (8.1%) developed a sterile accumulation of fluid at the site of operation which required drainage: the final outcome was not affected. Minor displacement of the fracture (1–2 mm) occurred in nine patients (14.5%) but did not need further operation. The functional result was excellent in 39 patients (63%). This was considered acceptable given the severity of the fractures. Consequently, at our hospital, when a displaced malleolar fracture needs internal fixation biodegradable rods are now the treatment of choice. The psychological and financial advantages of avoiding implant removal are considerable.

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Résumé Des clous cylindriques biodégradables de polyglycolide renforcé ont été mis au point pour la synthèse des fractures en os spongieux. Le renforcement de la texture a été obtenu par enrobement de fibres de polyglycolide (Dexon) dans une matrice de polyglycolide. Une étude clinique prospective de 62 patients atteints de fractures bimalléolaires déplacées, traitées par réduction à ciel ouvert et synthèse utilisant ce type de clous a été réalisée. Les résultats ont été appréciés entre 13 mois et 40 mois après implantation. Une infection a été observée (1.6%), cinq malades (8.1%) ont présenté un épanchement stérile nécessitant un drainage de la zone opératoire. Le résultat final n'en a pas été affecté. Un minime déplacement (1 à 2 mm) s'est produit dans neuf cas (14.5%) mais n'a pas nécessité de réintervention. Le résultat fonctionnel a été excellent dans 39 cas (63%) ce qui peut être considéré comme acceptable compte tenu de la gravité de ces fractures. En conséquence la fixation par clous biodégradables des fractures bimalléolaires déplacées représente pour nous le traitement de choix. L'inutilité d'une ablation de matériel présente des avantages psychologiques et financiers considérables.

     

Open reduction and internal fixation compared with excision for unstable displaced fractures of the radial head

PURPOSE: To determine if excision of the radial head for treatment of an unstable, displaced fracture is associated with a higher rate of early complications or late arthrosis as compared with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). METHODS: Unstable, displaced fractures of the radial head treated with either excision (15 patients) or ORIF (13 patients) were compared. Implants were removed routinely during the study period. Three patients had instability after radial head excision: 2 were treated in a cast and 1 had temporary pinning of the ulnohumeral joint. Two patients in the ORIF cohort had failure of fixation that subsequently was treated with radial head excision: 1 had early hardware loosening and 1 developed a nonunion. RESULTS: At the 1-year follow-up evaluation there were no significant differences in the flexion or rotation arc. An average of 17 years after injury there was no significant difference in the flexion arc or rotation arc. One result was rated as unsatisfactory in each cohort according to the Mayo Elbow Performing Index. The average Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score was 5 points in the ORIF cohort and 15 points in the excision cohort. Eight patients in the excision cohort had arthrosis (5 mild, 2 moderate, 1 severe) compared with 2 patients in the ORIF cohort (1 mild, 1 moderate). CONCLUSIONS: Open reduction and internal fixation of an unstable, displaced fracture of the radial head occasionally fails, but it seems to reduce the risk of subsequent elbow dislocation and to protect against long-term arthrosis. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic III.     

Absorbable pins of self-reinforced poly-L-lactic acid for fixation of fractures and osteotomies.

We reviewed 27 patients with small-fragment fractures or osteotomies treated by internal fixation with absorbable self-reinforced poly-L-lactide pins. The follow-up time ranged from eight to 37 months. The two most common indications were chevron osteotomy of the first metatarsal bone for hallux valgus and displaced fracture of the radial head. No redisplacements occurred, and there were no signs of inflammatory foreign-body reaction. Biopsy in two patients 20 and 37 months after implantation showed that no polymeric material remained.     

Internal fixation of proximal radial head fractures

The treatment of choice for proximal radial head fractures remains controversial. The goal of any treatment for an intra-articular fracture must be the complete restoration of the joint and its function. Nonoperative treatment leads to full motion in cases of less than 1-2 mm of fracture displacement. Resection of the radial head can be recommended only for very comminuted fractures. All other fracture types should be treated by open reduction and internal fixation. Our own personal follow-up observation of 19 patients who had surgical intervention demonstrated restoration of elbow function after an average follow-up time of 11.7 months. Five patients had a slightly restricted range of motion of less than 10 degrees extension and flexion as well as less than 8 degrees pronation and supination, without signs of arthritis. Because complications were minimal, we recommend internal fixation of displaced proximal radial head fractures to restore the anatomic function of the elbow. This is especially true in cases with accompanying proximal ulna fractures and/or ruptured collateral ligaments of the elbow joint and/or disruption of the distal radio-ulnar joint.     

Absorbable polyglycolide screws in internal fixation of femoral osteotomies in rabbits

In 20 rabbits, a transverse distal femoral osteotomy was fixed using a 4.5 by 30-mm absorbable screw made of polyglycolide. No postoperative external support was used. The consolidation of the osteotomy was investigated histologically, morphometrically, and microradiographically in groups of 4 to 6 rabbits that were followed for 3, 6, 12, or 36 weeks. Fourteen osteotomies showed solid bony union; and in 3, several bone trabeculae were seen to bridge a still partially ununited osteotomy. In another 3 rabbits, each with a follow-up time of 12 or 36 weeks, no convincing signs of progressing consolidation could be seen. Only 1 of these rabbits showed displacement of the distal fraament.     

Absorbable polyglycolide screws in internal fixation of femoral osteotomies in rabbits.

In 20 rabbits, a transverse distal femoral osteotomy was fixed using a 4.5 by 30-mm absorbable screw made of polyglycolide. No postoperative external support was used. The consolidation of the osteotomy was investigated histologically, morphometrically, and microradiographically in groups of 4 to 6 rabbits that were followed for 3, 6, 12, or 36 weeks. Fourteen osteotomies showed solid bony union; and in 3, several bone trabeculae were seen to bridge a still partially ununited osteotomy. In another 3 rabbits, each with a follow-up time of 12 or 36 weeks, no convincing signs of progressing consolidation could be seen. Only 1 of these rabbits showed displacement of the distal fragment.     

Internal fixation in the treatment of radial head fractures]

The authors give indications for internal fixation of the radial head fractures. The results in 20 patients, age 18-69 (average 38 years), 12 male and 8 female have been reported. The authors conclude that fixation is a better method of treatment than resection of the radial head. The authors suggest that good fixation is also possible in the case of comminuted fracture. Fracture-dislocation of the elbow joint is not an indication for ligaments repair if the elbow is stable after radial head osteosynthesis.     

The herbert differential pitch bone screw in displaced radial head fractures

The Herbert bone screw (Herbert and Fisher, 1984) has been used in the treatment of ten segmental fractures of the radial head. This differential pitch bone screw provides rigid fixation with compression, has no protruding head, is easily introduced and is of such a small diameter that more than one screw can be used. The early results achieved are reported.     

Primary nonoperative treatment of moderately displaced two-part fractures of the radial head

BACKGROUND: Moderately displaced two-fragment fractures of the radial head have been treated predominantly nonoperatively. Recently, however, open reduction and internal fixation has gradually gained interest, without clear evidence that initial nonoperative treatment leads to an unfavorable outcome. As a consequence, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate the long-term outcome after the initial nonoperative treatment of this type of fracture. METHODS: Fifteen men and thirty-four women, with a mean age of forty-nine years at the time of the injury, were included in the study. All patients initially had been managed nonoperatively for a two-fragment fracture of the radial head that was displaced 2 to 5 mm and that included >/=30% of the joint surface (a Mason type-IIa fracture). Early mobilization had been used for twenty-seven patients, and cast immobilization for a mean of two weeks (range, one to four weeks) had been used for twenty-two. All patients were reevaluated with a questionnaire after a mean of nineteen years, and thirty-four also had a clinical and a radiographic evaluation. Six patients had had a delayed radial head excision because of an unsatisfactory primary outcome. RESULTS: Forty of the forty-nine patients had no subjective complaints, eight were slightly impaired as the result of occasional elbow pain, and one had daily pain. Flexion was slightly impaired in the injured elbows as compared with the uninjured elbows (137 degrees +/- 8 degrees compared with 139 degrees +/- 7 degrees ), as was extension (-3 degrees +/- 7 degrees compared with 1 degrees +/- 5 degrees ) and supination (86 degrees +/- 7 degrees compared with 88 degrees +/- 4 degrees ) (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). The prevalence of degenerative changes on radiographs was higher for the injured elbows than for the uninjured elbows (82% [twenty-eight of thirty-four] compared with 21% [seven of thirty-four]; p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: The initial nonoperative treatment of Mason type-IIa fractures of the radial head that are displaced by 2 to 5 mm is associated with a predominantly favorable outcome, especially if a delayed radial head excision is performed in the few cases in which the early outcome is unsatisfactory. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic Level IV.     

可吸收软骨钉结合植骨治疗桡骨小头骨折

目的探讨可吸收软骨钉结合植骨治疗MasonⅡ、Ⅲ型桡骨小头骨折的疗效。方法采用切开复位、可吸收软骨钉结合植骨内固定治疗桡骨小头骨折22例。结果 22例均获随访,时间6～15个月。疗效评定根据Mayo标准:优12例,良8例,可2例。结论可吸收软骨钉结合植骨治疗桡骨小头骨折手术操作简单,损伤小,内固定稳定,可早期功能锻炼,避免再次手术,临床效果满意。     

Fixation of displaced subcapital femoral fractures. Compression screw fixation versus double divergent pins

One hundred and twenty-seven consecutive patients with displaced subcapital fractures of the femoral neck (Garden Grade III or IV) all under 80 years of age and independently mobile, were randomly allocated to fixation with either double divergent pins or a single sliding screw-plate device. The incidence of non-union and infection in the sliding screw-plate group was significantly higher, and we believe that when internal fixation is considered appropriate multiple pinning should be used. Mobility after treatment was disappointing in about half of the patients, and we feel that internal fixation can only be justified in patients who are physiologically well preserved and who maintain a high level of activity.     

掌侧钢板固定治疗不稳定的背侧移位桡骨远端骨折

[目的]初步探讨掌侧钢板（locking compression plate，LCP）固定治疗不稳定、背侧移位桡骨远端骨折的方法及其效果。[方法]回顾性分析掌侧LCP结合克氏针撬拨、植骨等技术治疗不稳定、背侧移位桡骨远端骨折35例，比较研究手术前后掌倾角、尺偏角、桡骨短缩及关节活动范围等，初步评价其临床疗效。[结果]经随访9-24个月（平均17个月），掌倾角、尺偏角、桡骨短缩均获明显改善，腕关节功能按Sarmiento标准评定，优20例、良12例、可2例、差1例。[结论]对不稳定、背侧移位桡骨远端骨折，掌侧LCP是一种安全有效的治疗方法，可有效防止复位丢失、减少结构性植骨、避免肌腱激惹等并发症。     

The treatment of the displaced fractures of the radial head with open reduction and internal fixation using Herbert screws]

The purpose of this retrospective study was to evaluate the results following open reduction and internal fixation of fractures of the radial head with the Herbert screws. 18 patients had been treated from 2001 to 2005, 10 men and 8 females with an average age of 39 years and 6 months (range, twenty to fifty six years). In 7 cases (38%) the fracture were part of a more complex elbow injury pattern; posterior dislocation of the elbow 4, posterior dislocation with rupture of the medial collateral ligament 1, posterior dislocation with concomitant fracture of the coronoid process and medial collateral ligament rupture 3.9 had Mason Type- II and 9 Mason Type III fracture. Stabilization was performed with one to three Herbert screws. Twenty patients were reexamined after a mean time 3 year and six months (range 1 to 5 years). According Mayo Elbow Performance Score the results were excellent in 9 patients, good in 2, and fair in 1 patient.     

Open reduction and internal fixation of radial head fractures

This study examines 32 patients operated for radial head fractures, mean age 48.7 years (range 26-76 years), Mason type II in 25 cases and Mason type III with 3 main fragments in 7 cases. Fractures were surgically reduced and fixed with Herbert's (12 cases) or Osteomed (20 cases) cannulated screws. The latter have a head that is <1 mm high and are only threaded distally. Both types of screw provide compression across the fracture. In Mason type II cases, the mean MEPS score was 98.4 and the DASH score 6.8. In Mason type III cases, MEPS was 99.3 and DASH 9.5. We believe that fixation can be carried out with screws alone, which are less invasive, and that the screw heads should preferably be completely buried, to avoid stiffness in prono-supination. In addition, suturing of the annular ligament and the joint capsule is made easier by the reduced invasiveness of screws. Screw treatment is effective in non-comminuted fractures of the radial head.     

Open reduction and internal fixation of radial head fractures

Open reduction and internal fixation of displaced fractures of the radial head were reviewed in 14 elbows. Follow-up averaged 32 months. The average elbow score for Mason type II fractures was 96.8 points, corresponding to 100% good or excellent results. Average flexion was 142.5 degrees, and the mean fixed flexion deformity was 3.9 degrees. There was no loss in grip strength. An almost normal elbow was the expected result. Good or excellent results were achieved in only 33% of Mason type III fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation. The average elbow score was 72.9 points, and this was statistically significantly different than the Mason type II fractures (p less than 0.05). An associated elbow dislocation did not affect the results significantly, but was associated with a slightly increased fixed flexion deformity. Fractures may be more comminuted than suggested by plain radiographs, and intraoperative decision making is required in deciding between reconstruction or excision of the radial head. Excellent results were obtained provided an anatomical reduction with stable fixation and early range of motion were achieved. If a stable anatomic reduction cannot be obtained, then alternative treatment methods should be considered.     

Open reduction and internal fixation of radial head fractures

This study examines 32 patients operated for radial head fractures, mean age 48.7 years (range 26–76 years), Mason type II in 25 cases and Mason type III with 3 main fragments in 7 cases. Fractures were surgically reduced and fixed with Herbert’s (12 cases) or Osteomed (20 cases) cannulated screws. The latter have a head that is <1 mm high and are only threaded distally. Both types of screw provide compression across the fracture. In Mason type II cases, the mean MEPS score was 98.4 and the DASH score 6.8. In Mason type III cases, MEPS was 99.3 and DASH 9.5. We believe that fixation can be carried out with screws alone, which are less invasive, and that the screw heads should preferably be completely buried, to avoid stiffness in prono-supination. In addition, suturing of the annular ligament and the joint capsule is made easier by the reduced invasiveness of screws. Screw treatment is effective in non-comminuted fractures of the radial head.