J Korean Fract Soc.  2017 Jan;30(1):35-39. 10.12671/jkfs.2017.30.1.35.

Arthroscopic Assisted Bioabsorbable Screw Fixation for Radial Head Fractures: A Report of Two Cases

• Park BJ
• An KY
• Choi YS

• KMID: 2367351
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12671/jkfs.2017.30.1.35

Abstract

Most radial head fractures occur as the result of low-energy mechanisms, such as a trip or fall on the outstretched hand. These fractures typically occur when an axial load is applied to the forearm, causing the radial head to hit the capitellum of the humerus. Good results are shown with nonsurgical treatments for Mason type 2 fractures. However, if there is a limitation of elbow joint exercise or displacement of more than 2 mm, an operative treatment should be considered. We treated two patients with arthroscopic assisted bioabsorbable screw (K-METâ„¢; U&I Corporation, Uijeongbu, Korea) fixation for radial head fractures to prevent complications of open reduction and minimize radiation exposure.

Keyword

Fracture fixation; Internal; Radius; Cartilage; Arthroscopic reduction; Bioabsorbable screws

MeSH Terms

Cartilage
Elbow Joint
Forearm
Fracture Fixation
Hand
Head*
Humans
Humerus
Radiation Exposure
Radius

Figure

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  Fig. 1 A 30-year-old male with Mason type 2 radial head fracture. Anteroposterior radiograph (A) and saggital computed tomography (CT) (B), and a 3-dimensional CT (C).

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  Fig. 2 Right elbow arthroscopic photos. (A) Radial head fracture with articular step off. (B, C) The radial head was reduced with manipulation by the arthroscopic probe and micro curette.

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  Fig. 3 Immediately postoperative right elbow lateral X-ray.

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  Fig. 4 A 42-year-old male with Mason type 2 radial head fracture. Lateral radiograph (A) and 3-dimensional computed tomography (B).

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  Fig. 5 The radial head reduced with manipulation by the arthroscopic probe and micro curette.

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  Fig. 6 Immediately postoperative left elbow lateral X-ray.

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