Operative Treatment in the Radial Head Fractures

Shin, Hung Dae; Lee, Kwang Jin; Lee, June Kyu; Kim, Seong Hyeong; Lee, Ik Jang

Abstract

Sixteen patients who had radial head fractures were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using Herbert screws (10 patients), and with silastic prosthetic replacement (6 patients) from March, 1992 to December, 1994 in Chungnam National University hospital. The average duration of follow up was 19.5 months. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of Herbert screw fixation and silicone replacement arthroplasty and to asscess the clinical results of two groups functionally, radiologically in raidial head fractures. By functional rating index (modified After B.F. Morrey et al), the results were classified as excellent (9 patients), good (6 patients), fair (No patient) and poor (1 patient). Nine of the ten patients treated by open reduction and internal fixation using Herbert screws had resulted in excellent or good. All patients were inserted silastic implants were showed excellent or good results. Especially, in Mason Type III radial head fractures, three of four patients treated by Herbert screws and all 5 patients treated by silastic prosthesis were considered to excellent or good results. We concluded that Herbert screw fixation or silastic prosthetic replacement had satisfactorily appeared to be the alternative treatment option for Mason Type III radial head fractures.