Open reduction and internal fixation of radial head fractures

This study examines 32 patients operated for radial head fractures, mean age 48.7 years (range 26–76 years), Mason type II in 25 cases and Mason type III with 3 main fragments in 7 cases. Fractures were surgically reduced and fixed with Herbert’s (12 cases) or Osteomed (20 cases) cannulated screws. The latter have a head that is <1 mm high and are only threaded distally. Both types of screw provide compression across the fracture. In Mason type II cases, the mean MEPS score was 98.4 and the DASH score 6.8. In Mason type III cases, MEPS was 99.3 and DASH 9.5. We believe that fixation can be carried out with screws alone, which are less invasive, and that the screw heads should preferably be completely buried, to avoid stiffness in prono-supination. In addition, suturing of the annular ligament and the joint capsule is made easier by the reduced invasiveness of screws. Screw treatment is effective in non-comminuted fractures of the radial head.