The management of radial head fractures remains controversial. Accurate classification of the fracture (Mason) may necessitate the use of special X-ray views (45° arterior oblique or radio-capitellar). We present the results of 19 cases of Mason type II fractures treated operatively by open reduction and internal fixation with the Herbert bone screw. All patients achieved ‘good-to-excellent’ outcome at follow-up. Our results compare favourably with other forms of treatment for this injury.
MasonM.L.. Some observations on fractures of the head of the radius with review of one hundred cases.Br J Surg1954; 42: 123–32
2.
JohnstonG.W.. A followup of 100 cases of fracture of the head of the radius with a review of the literature.Ulster Med J1962; 31: 51–6
3.
KnightD.J., RymaszewskiL.A., AmisA.A., MillerJ.H.Primary replacement of the fractured radial head with a metal prosthesis.J Bone Joint Surg1993; 75B: 572–6
4.
GeelC.W., PalmerA.K.. Radial head fractures and their effect on the distal radioulnar joint.Clin Orth1992; 275: 79–84
5.
DooleyJ.F., AngusP.D.. The importance of elbow aspiration when treating radial head fractures.Arc Emerg Med1991; 8: 117–21
6.
NonnenmacherJ., SchurchB.. Fractures of the radial head and lesions of the lower radius and ulna in the adult: the importance of the prosthesis in resection.Ann Chir Main1987; 2: 123–30
7.
BunkerT.D., NewmanJ.H.. The Herbert differential pitch bone screw in displaced radial head fractures.Injury1985; 16: 621–4
8.
GoldbergI., PeylanJ., YosipovitchZ.. Late results of excision of the radial head for an isolated closed fracture.J Bone Joint Surg1986; 68A: 675–9
9.
HoldsworthB.J., ClementD.A., RothwellP.N.R.. Fractures of the radial head—the benefit of aspiration: a prospective controlled trial.Injury1987; 18: 44–7
10.
MillerG.K., DrennanD.B., MaylahnD.J.. Treatment of displaced segmental radial head fractures.J Bone Joint Surg1981; 63A: 712–17
11.
CamR.M., MedigeJ., CurtainD., KoenigA.. Silicone rubber replacement of the severely fractured radial head.Clin Orth1986; 209: 259–69
12.
KingG.J., EvansD.C., KellamJ.F.. Open reduction and internal fixation of radial head fractures.J Orthop Trauma1991; 5: 21–8
13.
MadiurN., SharmaC.S.. Fracture of the head of the radius treated by elbow cast.Acta Orthop Scan1984; 55: 567–8
14.
ArceA.A., GarinD.M., GarciaV.M., JansanaJ.P.. Treatment of radial head fractures using a fibrin adhesive seal.J Bone Joint Surg Br1995; 77B: 422–4
15.
HerbertT.J., FischerW.E.. Management of the fractured scaphoid using a new screw.J Bone Joint Surg Br1984; 66B: 114
16.
Essex-LoprestiP.. Fractures of the radial head with distal radio-ulnar dislocation.J Bone Joint Surg Br1951; 33B: 244–7
17.
GreenspanA., NormanA.. The radial head, capitellum: useful techniques in elbow trauma.Am J Radiol1982; 138: 1186–8
18.
PoulsenJ.O., TophojK.. Fractures of the radial head and neck.Acta Orthop Scan1974; 45: 66–75
19.
QuigleyT.B.. Aspiration of the elbow joint in treatment of fractures of the head of the radius.N Engl J Med1949; 240: 915
20.
ColemanD.A., BlairW.F., ShurrD.. Resection of the radial head for fracture of the radial head.J Bone Joint Surg Br1987; 69A: 385–92
21.
McDougallA., WhiteJ.. Subluxation of the inferior radio-ulnar joint complicating fracture of the radial head.J Bone Joint Surg1957; 39B: 278–87
22.
TaylorT.F.K., O'ConnorB.T.. The effect on the inferior radio-ulnar joint of excision of the head of the radius in adults.J Bone Joint Surg1964; 46B: 83–8
23.
MikicZ.D., VukadinovicS.M.. Late results in fractures of the radial head treated by excision.Clin Orth1983; 181: 220–9
24.
CherryJ.C.. Use of acrylic prosthesis in the treatment of fracture of the head of the radius.J Bone Joint Surg1953; 35B: 70–1
25.
WorsingR.A., EngberW.D., LangeT.A.. Reactive synovitis from particulate silastic.J Bone Joint Surg1982; 64A: 581–5
26.
MackayI., FitzgeraldB., MillerJ.H.. Silastic replacement of the head of the radius in trauma.J Bone Joint Surg1979; 61B: 494–7
27.
KhalfayanE.E., CulpR.C., AlexanderA.H.. Mason Type II radial head fractures; operative versus nonoperative treatment.J Orthop Trauma1992; 6: 283–9
28.
KanlicE., PerryC.R.. Indications and technique of open reduction and internal fixation of radial head fractures.Orthopaedics1992; 15: 837–42
29.
McArthurR.A.. Herbert screw fixation of fracture of the head of the radius.Clin Orth1987; 224: 79–87
30.
TeasdallR., SavoieF.H., HughesJ.L.. Comminuted fractures of the proximal radius and ulna.Clin Orth1993; 292: 37–47
31.
PeimerC.A., MeidgeJ., EckertB.S., WrightJ.R., HowardC.S.. Reactive synovitis after silicone arthroplasty.J Hand Surg1986; 11A: 624–38