Open reduction and internal fixation of Mason type III radial head fractures with and without an associated elbow dislocation

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the treatment of patients with Mason type III radial head fracture with and without elbow dislocation by open reduction with internal fixation, collateral ligament repair, and early mobilization. An additional purpose was to investigate whether there is any effect of elbow dislocation on the severity and functional outcome. METHODS: Twenty-five patients were treated with open reduction with internal fixation using low-profile miniplate and screws for comminuted fracture of the radial head. Eighteen fractures were Mason type III, and 7 fractures were Mason type III with elbow dislocation. There were 5 women and 20 men with a mean age of 34 years. The mean follow-up time was 27 months. Patients were reviewed for functional ability, physical examination, and radiographic assessment. RESULTS: The mean functional index in Mason type III fracture and Mason type III fracture with elbow dislocation was 87 for both groups. The mean range of motion at the elbow joint was calculated as 5 degrees extension to 136 degrees flexion for Mason type III and 7 degrees extension to 133 degrees flexion for Mason type III with elbow dislocation. The mean pronation and supination for all patients were 74 degrees and 67 degrees , respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Selected Mason III radial head fractures and fracture dislocations could be stabilized satisfactorily with internal fixation. Meticulous surgical technique, combined with rigid internal fixation, can allow early motion of the forearm and elbow after fixation of Mason type III radial head fractures with and without elbow dislocation and ligamentous injury. We believe there is still a role for prosthetic replacement in comminuted Mason III radial head fractures that cannot reliably be treated with open reduction and internal fixation. TYPE OF STUDY/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Prognostic II.     

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.     

手术治疗桡骨头前侧塌陷骨折

目的：探讨手术治疗桡骨头前侧塌陷骨折的临床疗效.方法：2006年3月至2013年1月收治17例桡骨头前侧塌陷骨折的患者,根据Mason分型,Ⅱ型12例,Ⅲ型5例.采用肘关节后外侧入路进行切开复位,并用Herbert钉或钛空心钉进行内固定.结果：术后均获随访,时间6～18个月,平均11.3个月.根据Broberg和Money肘关节功能评分标准评定：优2例,良12例,可3例.术后未发生肘部感染、神经损伤、骨不连、创伤性关节炎、异位骨化以及肘关节不稳定.但术后患侧肘关节活动范围小于健侧.结论：桡骨头前侧塌陷骨折容易漏诊,可以通过肘关节后外侧入路进行切开复位内固定.     

What happens to the elbow joint after fractured radial head excision? Clinical and radiographic study at a mean 15-yearfollow-up

Comminuted fractures of the radial head can be treated by radial head excision, open reduction and internal fixation, or radial head replacement. The aim of this study was to evaluate the long-term clinical and radiographic results of 22 patients with an isolated Mason type III fracture of the radial head treated by radial head excision. Mean age at the time of surgery was 36 years and average follow-up was 15 years. Overall outcome at the last follow-up was scored as excellent, good, fair or poor, considering elbow and wrist pain, valgus deformity, elbow and forearm range of motion, and elbow radiographic osteoarthritic changes. At follow-up mean pain score on VAS was was 1, average increase in elbow valgus deformity was 8°, mean flexion of the elbow was 138°, pronation of the forearm averaged 78°, and supination averaged 85°. Degenerative changes were scored as grade 0 in 4 patients, grade 1 in 14 patients, and grade 2 in 4 patients. The overall outcome was excellent in 18 patients and good in 4 patients. When a comminuted radial head fracture is not associated with elbow dislocation or ligamentous injuries, resection of the radial head is a valid surgical option because it is a simple and rapid technique, it has a low learning curve, and it has a high rate of excellent clinical and radiographic long-term results.     

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.     

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。     

Therapie der Radiusköpfchenfraktur

The treatment of radial head fractures is challenging for the trauma surgeon due to the complex functional anatomy of the elbow. Satisfactory results can only be achieved if the function and stability of the humeroradial joint are entirely restored. Thus, depending on the fracture type, ranging from non-displaced Mason type I fractures to comminuted Mason type III fractures, an individual treatment concept has to be established. Treatment protocols range from conservative treatment with short-term cast immobilization to open reduction and internal fixation according to AO-principles or to the implantation of a radial head prosthesis. In case of severe comminution of the radial head, resection arthroplasty might be indicated.     

Therapy for radial head fractures

The treatment of radial head fractures is challenging for the trauma surgeon due to the complex functional anatomy of the elbow. Satisfactory results can only be achieved if the function and stability of the humeroradial joint are entirely restored. Thus, depending on the fracture type, ranging from non-displaced Mason type I fractures to comminuted Mason type III fractures, an individual treatment concept has to be established. Treatment protocols range from conservative treatment with short-term cast immobilization to open reduction and internal fixation according to AO-principles or to the implantation of a radial head prosthesis. In case of severe comminution of the radial head, resection arthroplasty might be indicated.     

切开复位Herbert钉内固定术治疗MasonⅢ型桡骨小头骨折

目的总结Herhert钉治疗MasonⅢ型桡骨小头骨折的临床疗效。方法 22例MasonⅢ型桡骨小头骨折患者,采用切开复位Herbert内固定,对其中18例随访资料完整的病例进行回顾性分析。结果随访18例,平均21（12～36）个月。所有骨折愈合良好,平均愈合时间6（4～10）个月,未发生肘关节不稳或功能减弱。平均Mayo肘关节性能指标评定分数为88.6±11.4,临床疗效满意：优12例,良6例。肘关节平均屈伸范围7°～135°,旋前平均80°（73°～87°）和旋后平均72°（66°～78°）。结论 Herbert钉对于选择性的治疗MasonⅢ型桡骨小头骨折能够获得满意的临床效果,固定牢固可靠,可早期功能锻炼。     

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.     

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.     

Klassifikation und Therapie von ellengelenknahen Verletzungen

Fractures and luxations in the range of the upper arm and forearm close to the elbow are rare in adults. The early diagnosis and correct therapy is very important to restore the function of the complex elbow joint. Distal humeral fractures AO type B and C often go along with neurological lesions. The therapy as a rule is open reduction and internal fixation. The most common classification of olecranon fractures is named after Schatzker. The classification considers the type of osteosynthesis, which is needed subject to the number of fracture fragments. Fractures of the processus coronoideus are often associated with luxation of the elbow and are classified according to Regan and Morrey. Depending on fracture type and level of stability of the elbow joint, conservative or operative therapy is recommended. The Mason classification is widely accepted for fractures of the radial head. The simple type of fracture is treated conservatively, while dislocated fractures and more fragmented fractures necessitate osteosynthesis or resection. In cases of joint instability after resection, a radial head prosthesis should be implanted. Separately the Monteggia injury, the Essex-Lopresti injury and “terrible triad” injury as severe combined lesions of the elbow joint are reviewed. All types of injuries are frequently under-diagnosed at first visitation and result in poor functional outcome. Luxation of the elbow joint requires a rapid reposition after analgesic sedation.     

On-table reconstruction of comminuted fractures of the radial head

The most widely accepted treatment for comminuted fractures of the radial head is either the excision or open reduction and internal fixation. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the value of an ‘on-table’ reconstruction technique in severely comminuted fractures of the radial head. In this study, two patients with a Mason type-III and four patients with a Mason type-IV radial-head fracture were treated with ‘on-table’ reconstruction and fixation using low-profile mini-plates. After a mean follow-up of 112 months (47-154 months), the mean elbow motion was 0-6-141° extension flexion with 79° of pronation and 70° of supination. The mean Broberg and Morrey functional rating score was 97.0 points, the Mayo Elbow Performance Index was 99.2 points and the mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Outcome Measure score was 1.94 points. One patient had symptoms of degenerative changes, with a slight joint-space narrowing. There were no radiographic signs of devitalisation at final examination. Comminuted fractures of the radial head, which would otherwise require excision, can be successfully treated with an ‘on-table’ reconstruction technique.     

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

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.     

尺骨近端粉碎性骨折伴肘关节不稳定的治疗

目的 探讨尺骨近端粉碎性骨折伴肘关节不稳定的治疗方法及疗效.方法 尺骨近端粉碎性骨折伴肘关节不稳定患者33例,男23例,女10例;年龄21～61岁,平均41.3岁.11例合并桡骨头骨折,15例合并尺骨冠突骨折,7例同时合并桡骨头及尺骨冠突骨折.采用钢板螺钉内固定治疗,其中一期植骨9例.合并桡骨头骨折患者,如骨折粉碎不严重,复位后用克氏针固定,并修补环状韧带;如骨折粉碎严重,则行人工桡骨头置换,同时取自体掌长肌腱重建环状韧带.合并尺骨冠突骨折患者,12例Ⅱ、Ⅲ型骨折患者,选用克氏针或拉力螺钉固定骨折块,同时探查尺侧副韧带前束,如损伤予以修复或重建;4例Ⅳ型骨折患者,取自体骨重建冠突,取自体掌长肌腱重建尺侧副韧带前束.结果 患者伤口均一期愈合,骨折愈合率为100%.术后随访8～36个月,平均22个月.3例有创伤性关节炎表现,4例发生轻度创伤性骨化.肘关节平均屈伸范围为112°±24°,前臂平均旋转活动范围为108°±27°.按照Morrey等肘关节功能评定标准进行评价:优10例,良14例,可7例,差2例,总优良率为72.7%.结论 治疗尺骨近端粉碎性骨折伴肘关节不稳可采用钢板螺钉固定尺骨近端骨折,必要时行一期植骨,注意对桡骨头、尺骨冠突骨折及肘关节侧副韧带损伤的治疗,以防止肘关节不稳定.     

A figure-eight suture loop with Kirschner wires for fixation of anteromedial coronoid process fractures: A case series

PurposeSufficient fixation of an anterior or anteromedial facet fracture of the coronoid process in fracture-dislocation of elbow is important to maintain joint stability. The purpose of this study was to report our experience with 11 patients who were managed with an original fixation technique using a “figure-eight” suture loop.MethodsFrom February 2010 to March 2011, 11 cases with a fracture of the anterior or anteromedial facet of the coronoid process were treated by coronoid fixation using a figure-eight suture loop. For cases with comminuted fractures, to prevent a suture from sliding into the fracture line, a 3- or 4-hole phalanx plate was enclosed in the suture loop to compress multiple fragments. Accompanying injuries, such as a radial head fracture or olecranon fracture, were fixed with repair of lateral collateral ligament injuries.ResultsOn final evaluations at an average of 18 months after injury, the mean elbow arc of motion was 125.5° and the mean forearm rotation arc of 124.1°. All fractures were united with an average postoperative score according to the Mayo Elbow Performance Index of 91 points. All patients achieved satisfactory scores (seven excellent, four good). All 11 fractures were united at final follow-up with no joint incongruity, dislocation, or subluxation of the injured elbow.ConclusionsThe figure-eight suture loop technique is an easy and effective technique to fix anterior or anteromedial facet fractures of the coronoid process.     

关节镜下埋头空心钉内固定治疗Mason Ⅱ型桡骨头骨折的疗效观察

目的探讨关节镜下埋头空心钉内固定治疗MasonⅡ型桡骨头骨折的手术方法和临床疗效。方法回顾性分析自2012-03—2016-02采用肘关节镜辅助下埋头空心钉内固定治疗的24例MasonⅡ型桡骨头骨折。末次随访时进行肘关节功能MEPS评分,测量并比较双侧肘关节屈伸和旋转活动度。结果 24例术后切口均一期愈合,术后平均随访13.2(9~18)个月。术后骨折均愈合,愈合时间3~4个月,平均3.2个月。所有患者均无骨折畸形愈合、空心钉退出、空心钉断裂、神经损伤等并发症。末次随访时肘关节功能MEPS评分平均97.3分,其中优21例,良3例,优良率100%。末次随访时双侧肘关节屈伸和旋转活动度差异无统计学意义(P0.05)。结论关节镜下埋头空心钉内固定治疗MasonⅡ型桡骨头骨折具有创伤小、固定满意、术后恢复快、并发症少等优点,有利于肘关节功能恢复,临床疗效满意。     

不同内固定方法治疗Mason Ⅱ型桡骨头骨折临床效果的对比研究

[目的] 比较研究Herbert钉、微型空心松质骨螺钉、微型皮质骨螺钉以及克氏针内固定治疗Mason Ⅱ型桡骨头骨折的临床效果.[方法] 1999年1月-2005年7月共收治34例Mason Ⅱ型桡骨头骨折,7例行Herbert钉内固定术(1组),10例行微型空心松质骨螺钉内固定术(2组),9例行微型皮质骨螺钉内固定术(3组), 8例行克氏针内固定术(4组).通过随访对4组患者肘关节的疼痛、功能评分以及运动、肌力、X线表现进行比较研究.[结果] 术后随访2～6年,平均4.5年,4组平均肘关节痛觉满意视觉模拟评分(VAS评分)分别为 24.2、23.7、21.5和19.7分(P< 0.01),平均Broderg和Morrey肘关节功能评分分别为93.3、94.1、91.4和86.3分(P< 0.01);4组患者肘关节伸、屈以及前臂旋前活动度差异有统计学意义(P< 0.01),但伸肘、屈肘肌力以及旋前和旋后肌力差异无显著性(P> 0.01),均正常.[结论] 与克氏针内固定相比,切开复位Herbert钉、微型空心松质骨螺钉以及微型皮质骨螺钉内固定治疗Mason Ⅱ型桡骨头骨折可获得较满意的关节活动范围以及较好的关节功能恢复.     

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.