Reconstruction of Mason type-III and type-IV radial head fractures with a new fixation device: 23 patients followed 1-4 years

BACKGROUND: Treatment options in radial head fractures of Mason types III and IV range from open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to radial head resection with or without prosthetic replacement. PATIENTS: In a prospective study, the radiographic and clinical outcome was evaluated in 23 patients (age median 51 years) with 23 complex radial head fractures median 2 (1-4) years after ORIF using a new fixation device (FFS; Orthofix). 14 Mason type-III fractures with 2 concomitant olecranon fractures and 1 ulnar nerve lesion, and 11 type-IV fractures with 2 olecranon fractures and 2 fractures of the coronoid process were treated. 2 patients were lost to follow-up. In 7 cases of joint instability, an elbow fixator with motion capacity was applied after ORIF of the radial head. RESULTS: No radial head resection was necessary. No secondary dislocations or nonunion occurred. The Morrey elbow score was excellent in 8 and good in 4 Mason type-III fractures and excellent in 5, good in 3, and fair in 3 Mason type-IV fractures. INTERPRETATION: Reconstruction of comminuted radial head fractures can be performed with this device and radial head resection can be avoided.     

Differential therapy in radial head fractures

The therapeutic regimen of radial head fractures, especially of displaced and comminuted types is controversial. The radial head resection has been critically reviewed over the past years. From 1984-1993 and 1996-1999, 105 radial head fractures were treated in our hospital. 74 were subject to clinical and radiological follow-up. Fracture-types were classified according to Mason. Undisplaced fractures were treated conservatively, displaced 2-fragment-fractures by an open reduction and screw fixation, and multifragment-fractures by a radial head resection. The results were studied on a functional and radiological basis using the "Functional Rating Index" of Broberg and Morrey and the radiological Score of Albrecht and Ganz. After conservative therapy over 80 % achieved excellent and good as well as 12.5 % satisfactory and 6.3 % unsatisfactory results. After reduction and internal fixation again 80 % had excellent and good results. After radial head resection excellent and good results were achieved in 54.6 % of the cases, satisfactory results in 24.2 % and in 21.2 % unsatisfactory results, however prognosis-influencing concomitant injuries were often present in the latter group. Using the right indication and technique, the radial head resection still is a recommendable therapeutic procedure with an altogether good prognosis. This especially applies to isolated radial head fractures where excellent and good results can be achieved in approximately 70 %.     

Reconstruction of Mason type-III and type-IV radial head fractures with a new fixation device: 23 patients followed 1–4 years

Background?Treatment options in radial head fractures of Mason types III and IV range from open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) to radial head resection with or without prosthetic replacement.

Patients?In a prospective study, the radiographic and clinical outcome was evaluated in 23 patients (age median 51 years) with 23 complex radial head fractures median 2 (1–4) years after ORIF using a new fixation device (FFS; Orthofix). 14 Mason type-III fractures with 2 concomitant olecranon fractures and 1 ulnar nerve lesion, and 11 type-IV fractures with 2 olecranon fractures and 2 fractures of the coronoid process were treated. 2 patients were lost to follow-up. In 7 cases of joint instability, an elbow fixator with motion capacity was applied after ORIF of the radial head.

Results?No radial head resection was necessary. No secondary dislocations or nonunion occurred. The Morrey elbow score was excellent in 8 and good in 4 Mason type-III fractures and excellent in 5, good in 3, and fair in 3 Mason type-IV fractures.

Interpretation?Reconstruction of comminuted radial head fractures can be performed with this device and radial head resection can be avoided.     

解剖型钢板治疗粉碎性尺骨鹰嘴骨折

目的 探讨解剖型钢板治疗粉碎性尺骨鹰嘴骨折的疗效.方法 2002年2月至2007年7月,共52例移位粉碎性尺骨鹰嘴骨折的患者,男37例,女15例,平均年龄37.6岁.按照Mayo分型:其中ⅡB型31例,ⅢB型21例.所有骨折均行切开复位解剖型钢板内固定.结果 术后49例获得随访,随访时间为12～20个月,平均14.2个月.所有骨折均于3个月内愈合,无伤口感染;3例由于钢板皮下激惹,取出内固定后症状缓解.术后采用Broderg和Money评分标准进行评估:30例ⅡB型骨折中优22例,良6例,可2例,差0例,优良率为93.3%;19例ⅢB型骨折中优6例,良8例,可4例,差1例,优良率为73.7%.两组疗效差别有统计学意义(P<0.05).结论 解剖型钢板是治疗粉碎性尺骨鹰嘴骨折的安全有效的方法,Mayo分型可作为判断骨折预后的依据.     

Radial head fractures with acute distal radioulnar dislocation. Essex-Lopresti revisited

Seven adults with displaced radial head fractures had concurrent dislocation of the distal radioulnar joint. Because support of the radius was lost at both the elbow and wrist, proximal migration of the radius from 5 to 10 mm occurred. Different types of fractures were classified to designate the best method of restoring radial length to prevent chronic wrist pain and stiffness. Type I fractures had large displaced radial head fragments with minimal or no comminution and amenable to interfragmentary fixation. Type II fractures had severe comminution requiring radial head excision and prosthetic replacement. Type III were old injuries with irreducible proximal migration of the radius managed by ulnar shortening and radial head prosthetic replacement. There were three Type I, two Type II, and two Type III fractures. Results of treatment were graded as 3, excellent; 2, good; 1, fair; and 1, poor. The three excellent results were in patients in which restoration of radial length was achieved within one week of injury. Suboptimal results occurred in the remaining four patients when definitive surgery was delayed four to ten weeks. The poor result was in a patient treated only by radial head excision and who refused further surgery. Recommendations include meticulous clinical and roentgenographic examination of the distal radioulnar joint in all patients with displaced radial head fractures. Preservation of the radial head with anatomic reduction and rigid internal fixation is preferred, but radial head replacement may be necessary in cases with extensive comminution. Radial head excision alone, though contraindicated, may be restructured by ulnar shortening and radial head prosthetic replacement.     

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。     

Mason type II radial head fractures: operative versus nonoperative treatment.

The most appropriate treatment of Mason type II radial head fractures remains controversial. Recommended treatment has included closed reduction and immobilization, resection, or open reduction and internal fixation. The cases of 29 Mason type II radial head fractures treated at Naval Hospital Oakland from 1983 to 1989 were identified. Twenty-six or 90% were available for detailed follow-up. All cases underwent standardized elbow evaluations and results were compared using an elbow score based on a 100-point scale. The parameters evaluated were pain, motion, elbow and grip strength, and function in activities of daily living. In addition, injury and follow-up radiographs were analyzed. Mean follow-up was 18 months. There were 10 cases treated by open reduction and internal fixation and 16 cases treated by closed means. At final follow-up, the operatively treated group had a mean elbow score of 92 and 90% good/excellent results. The nonoperatively treated group had a mean elbow score of 77 and 44% good/excellent results. This difference was statistically significant (p less than 0.01). Radiographic analysis revealed a higher incidence of articular depression, displacement, and joint narrowing in the nonoperatively treated group. We conclude that displaced radial head fractures treated nonoperatively have a higher incidence of pain, functional limitations, loss of strength, and radiographic evidence of arthritis when compared to those treated by open reduction and internal fixation.     

Tension-band wiring for olecranon fractures: analysis of risk factors for failure

Thirty-seven consecutive olecranon fractures treated with tension-band wiring were evaluated at a mean follow-up of 4 years. There was no or mild pain in 33 cases, mean elbow extension was 7 degrees , and mean elbow flexion was 131 degrees . According to the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, the results were graded as good or excellent in 32 cases (86%). Most patients had mild residual upper extremity disability (mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score, 18 points). In 10 patients, degenerative changes developed. Arthritic changes were significantly associated with elbow instability (P = .014) and length of follow-up (P = .031) and were more common in the presence of associated radial head or coronoid fractures (P = .06). Hardware removal was required in 17 cases. Tension-band wiring provides satisfactory results in a high percentage of olecranon fractures. However, the outcome may be compromised in the presence of elbow instability and associated fractures of the radial head and coronoid.     

Primäre posttraumatische Radiuskopfprothetik

Radial head fractures are common injuries in elbow trauma. Non-displaced fractures are best treated conservatively. Simple but displaced fractures require anatomic reduction and fixation, typically using screws. The treatment course for complex fractures with multiple fragments is still being debated, as results are less predictable. Radial head resection is not advised if concomitant injuries of the coronoid process or the collateral ligaments with instability are present. Favorable outcomes following open reduction and fixation using plates were reported recently. However, complication rates are very high. Radial head replacement is a valuable tool in treating complex fractures of the radial head with predominantly good and excellent results. Patients who suffer radial head fractures are typically of a younger age, resulting in high functional demands. Certainly, unspecific and specific complications related to radial head arthroplasty were reported in up to 40?% of cases in an acute fracture setting. This article highlights common complications in radial head arthroplasty and aims to present strategies to avoid them.     

Newly defined fracture pattern specific to Mason III radial head fractures: fracture description, management and outcomes using screw fixation

Background: Radial head fractures are the most common type of elbow fracture and are universally classified under the Mason classification system. Mason type III fractures are comminuted and are the most difficult to treat, generally requiring plating if possible, or more commonly arthroplasty or excision, which gives a variable outcome. We hypothesized that a new and specific fracture pattern of the radial head (Mason III) can be treated successfully with screw fixation. Methods: Six patients presented to the senior surgeon's clinic with this unusual Mason III fracture pattern. In these patients, the fracture was acute, requiring an open reduction and internal fixation with the use of three headless compression screws. Average follow‐up time was 21 months. Using serial X‐rays and the Broberg–Morrey elbow score, the six acute fractures were evaluated radiologically and functionally. Results: All six patients had good to excellent results using the Broberg–Morrey scoring system. All patients showed radiological and clinical union within 3 months of injury. No patient required revision surgery or excision at a later date. Discussion: We have recognized a specific type of comminuted and displaced Mason III radial head fracture that has not previously been described in the literature. This type of fracture is amenable to open reduction internal fixation with buried compression screws giving a good to excellent outcome, while avoiding the common consequences seen with a radial head excision, arthroplasty or plate fixation.     

Mid‐term outcomes of contoured plating for comminuted fractures of the olecranon

Objective: To evaluate the mid‐term outcomes of contoured plating for comminuted fractures of the olecranon. Methods: Twenty eight patients were available for analysis. Their mean age was 41 years (range, 25 to 61 years). Associated fractures were of the coronoid process in three, radial head in four, and both in three patients. A plate and screw system was used to stabilize comminuted fractures of the olecranon in all cases. Coronoid fractures were stabilized according to the fracture patterns. Displaced radial head fractures were treated with either mini‐screw fixation or radial head replacement. Because of the severity of their fractures, 12 patients underwent primary bone grafting. Results: Primary stability was achieved in 25 of 28 cases. There were no cases of non‐union. The mean time to union was 15 weeks (range, 12–22 weeks). The mean range of flexion of the elbow was from 14° to 125°, with 65° of pronation and 74° of supination. The end results were 6 excellent, 16 good, 4 fair and 2 poor, based on the Broberg and Morrey scale. The excellent plus good rate was 78.6%. Conclusion: Favorable mid‐term outcomes can be achieved by contoured plating of complex, comminuted fractures of the olecranon.     

Absorbable polyglycolide pins in fixation of displaced fractures of the radial head

Summary In a prospective study 24 patients with a displaced fracture of the radial head were treated by open reduction and internal fixation using absorbable polygly-colide pins, 2 mm in diameter. All patients admitted with fractures involving a quarter or more of the radial head, whether comminuted or not, were included in the study whenever there was a displacement of 2 mm or more between the fragments. The mean follow-up time was 28 months (range 15–43 months). A postoperative redisplacement of 1–3 mm between the fragments was seen in four patients with severely comminuted fractures. A transient inflammatory reaction around the implants occurred in two cases 8–12 weeks postoperatively. The functional end-result was classified as excellent or good in 22 patients (91%). This study indicated that successful fixation of displaced fractures of the radial head can be accomplished by using absorbable pins.     

Comminuted fractures of the radial head and neck: is fixation to the shaft necessary?

Mason type III fractures of the radial head are treated by open reduction and internal fixation, resection or prosthetic joint replacement. When internal fixation is performed, fixation of the radial head to the shaft is difficult and implant-related complications are common. Furthermore, problems of devascularisation of the radial head can result from fixation of the plate to the radial neck. In a small retrospective study, the treatment of Mason type III fractures with fixation of the radial neck in 13 cases (group 2) was compared with 12 cases where no fixation was performed (group 1). The mean clinical and radiological follow-up was four years (1 to 9). The Broberg-Morrey index showed excellent results in both groups. Degenerative radiological changes were seen more frequently in group 2, and removal of the implant was necessary in seven of 13 cases. Post-operative evaluation of these two different techniques revealed similar ranges of movement and functional scores. We propose that anatomical reconstruction of the radial head without metalwork fixation to the neck is preferable, and the outcome is the same as that achieved with the conventional technique. In addition degenerative changes of the elbow joint may develop less frequently, and implant removal is not necessary.     

Open reduction and internal fixation of radial head fractures associated with olecranon fracture or dislocation

Six fracture dislocations or dislocations of the olecranon associated with radial head fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation of the radial head. The olecranon was reduced and if fractured (three cases) was internally fixed. Postoperatively, early active range of motion was achieved in all cases. Twelve to 48 months after surgery, there was an average loss of 18 degrees of elbow extension and 56 degrees of forearm rotation. An average of 132 degrees of flexion was maintained. There was no elbow instability or wrist pain.     

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.     

Radial head fractures associated with elbow dislocations treated by immediate stabilization and early motion.

Twenty-one elbow dislocations with an associated radial head fracture were treated with immediate joint reduction, stabilization, and early range-of-motion exercises. In all cases initial treatment involved closed reduction of the ulnohumeral joint. For those cases involving minimally displaced and a few moderately displaced radial head fractures, treatment consisted of benign neglect (4 of 21). Of the more severely displaced fractures (17 of 21), 9 were treated with open-reduction internal fixation and 8 with immediate silicone head replacement. Despite radial head treatment, 6 of these cases remained unstable, prompting primary repair of collateral ligaments; 3 eventually required application of a hinged fixator as a salvage option. Results confirmed that initial radial head displacement predicts functional outcome. Our study demonstrates that fracture dislocations of the elbow demand a broad consideration of treatment options and that reconstruction of elbow stability requires either primary repair of collateral ligaments or the possible use of a hinged fixator device.     

Olecranon fractures in 26 children with mean follow-up of 59 months

The authors report clinical and radiologic results of a series of 26 children who sustained an olecranon fracture, reviewed with a mean follow-up of 59 months. Mean age at time of trauma was 9 years. Direct trauma was the most common mechanism, and a radial head fracture was associated in one third of the cases. The fracture type usually consisted of a single fracture line, with a displacement >2 mm in one third of the cases. Treatment was usually conservative for nondisplaced or minimally displaced fractures, whereas open reduction with tension-wire pinning was proposed for displaced fractures. Clinical results were good, but radiologic results were less satisfying because of residual displacement on postoperative reviews. There was no functional impairment at final follow-up. Three patients from the surgically treated group with associated radial head fractures demonstrated a growth disturbance, possibly related to an ischemic cause.     

可吸收自身增强软骨钉治疗桡骨小头骨折

 目的 评估可吸收自身增强软骨钉治疗桡骨小头骨折的临床疗效。方法 回顾性分析2008年1月至2011年12月采用切开复位、可吸收自身增强软骨钉固定治疗22例桡骨小头骨折患者资料,其中18例资料完整,男10例,女8例;年龄13~55岁,平均36.8岁;左侧10例,右侧8例。按Mason分型：Ⅱ型14例,Ⅲ型3例,Ⅳ型1例;其中2例合并桡骨颈骨折,9例合并肱骨小头软骨骨折,1例合并肘关节后脱位伴尺骨鹰嘴撕脱性骨折。术中对桡骨小头骨折复位后先以克氏针临时固定,再用直径为1.5 mm、长度为16~24 mm可吸收自身增强软骨钉固定,螺钉不穿过对侧骨皮质,螺钉头埋入软骨下;对同时存在的颈部骨折,先复位桡骨小头,以软骨钉固定,再复位颈部,用微型“T”形钢板或解剖型钢板固定。对合并肱骨小头骨软骨骨折,其中4例给予软骨片复位、可吸收缝线经肱骨外上髁固定,5例因骨软骨片较小无法固定而去除。结果 18例患者均获得随访,随访时间6~54个月,平均31.3个月;骨折均顺利愈合,愈合时间5~12周,平均8.7周。随访时无一例出现内固定失败、血肿、积液、窦道形成、桡骨小头溶骨性变化等并发症。Broberg-Morrey评分为68~100分,其中优13例,良4例,可1例,优良率为94.44％(17/18)。术后肘关节屈伸活动度为90°~150°,平均123.8°;前臂旋转活动度为130°～180°,平均152.5°。结论 可吸收自身增强软骨钉可治疗各种类型桡骨小头骨折,术后疗效满意。     

Treatment of complex proximal humeral fractures with minimally invasive fixation of the humeral head combined with flexible intramedullary wire fixation – introduction of a new treatment concept

The treatment of three- or 4-part proximal humerus fractures is still a matter of scientific discussion. The following study presents the results of a combined procedure using limited invasive fixation techniques for reconstruction of the humerus head and retrograde intramedullary wiring with elastic nails for the treatment of displaced three- or 4-part fractures. A prospective study of 24 patients with 3-part and 4-part fractures was performed from September 1995 to December 1998. Combined biologic fixation for reconstruction of the humerus head, including intramedullary wiring, was utilized. Fracture reduction was performed in an open soft-tissue-preserving technique through a limited lateral approach. Fixation of the head fragments was performed using screw and/or cerclage wire fixation. The reconstructed humerus head was stabilized to the shaft with intramedullary wires, with retrograde insertion 2 cm above the olecranon fossa. Supportive fixation of the head fragments was achieved using fully threaded cancellous screws. At the 1-year postoperative follow-up, 40% of the 18 patients had excellent results using the Neer and Constant score. Forty-five percent had satisfactory and 15% unsatisfactory results. The initial results of this study reveal that a combination of limited internal fixation of the humerus head and retrograde elastic intramedullary wiring provide stable fixation with limited soft-tissue destruction. This approach has been shown to be especially useful for the combined treatment of three- or four-part fractures of the humeral head.     

桡骨头骨折的手术疗效分析

目的 总结不同骨折类型以及采取不同手术方法治疗桡骨头骨折术后肘关节功能恢复,分析不同因素对桡骨头骨折手术疗效的影响.方法 回顾总结2002年8月～2008年2月经手术治疗的46例桡骨头骨折患者的临床资料,其中男性34例,女性12例,手术方法包括克氏针内固定、微型钢板/螺钉内固定以及桡骨头切除术.结果 本组患者随访8个月～6年,平均随访2年零4个月,按照Mayo肘关节功能评估,优良35例,优良率为76.1%,Mason型骨折的术后关节功能优良率明显高于MasonⅢ、Ⅳ型骨折,微型螺钉及钢板固定组、2周内手术组的患者优良率也明显高于相应对照组.结论 手术治疗有移位的桡骨头骨折能获得良好的治疗效果,术后功能恢复受骨折分型、内固定方式以及手术时机的影响.