Brief Article
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World J Orthop. Apr 18, 2013; 4(2): 80-84
Published online Apr 18, 2013. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v4.i2.80
Incidence and analysis of radial head and neck fractures
Florian M Kovar, Manuela Jaindl, Gerhild Thalhammer, Schuster Rupert, Patrick Platzer, Georg Endler, Ines Vielgut, Florian Kutscha-Lissberg
Florian M Kovar, Manuela Jaindl, Gerhild Thalhammer, Schuster Rupert, Patrick Platzer, Department of Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
Georg Endler, Institute of Central Laboratory Wilheminenspital, 1160 Vienna, Austria
Ines Vielgut, Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Medical University Graz, 8010 Graz, Austria
Florian Kutscha-Lissberg, Department of Orthopedics, Countryhospital Wr. Neustadt, 2700 Wr. Neustadt, Austria
Author contributions: Kovar FM and Jaindl M contributed equally to this work; Platzer P, Kutscha-Lissberg F designed the research; Thalhammer G, Rupert S, Vielgut I and Kovar F performed the research; Kovar FM and Endler G analyzed the data; Kovar F and Jaindl M wrote the paper.
Correspondence to: Florian M Kovar, MD, Department of Trauma Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Waehringer Guertel 18-20, 1090 Vienna, Austria. florian.kovar@meduniwien.ac.at
Telephone: +43-1-404005903 Fax: +43-1-404005949
Received: January 15, 2013
Revised: April 8, 2013
Accepted: April 9, 2013
Published online: April 18, 2013
Processing time: 96 Days and 16.1 Hours
Abstract

AIM: To investigate several complications like persistent radial head dislocation, forearm deformity, elbow stiffness and nerve palsies, associated with radial head fractures.

METHODS: This study reviewed the clinical records and trauma database of this level I Trauma Center and identified all patients with fractures of the radial head and neck who where admitted between 2000 and 2010. An analysis of clinical records revealed 1047 patients suffering from fractures of the radial head or neck classified according to Mason. For clinical examination, range of motion, local pain and overall outcome were assessed.

RESULTS: The incidence of one-sided fractures was 99.2% and for simultaneous bilateral fractures 0.8%. Non-operative treatment was performed in 90.4% (n = 947) of the cases, surgery in 9.6% (n = 100). Bony union was achieved in 99.8% (n = 1045) patients. Full satisfaction was achieved in 59% (n = 615) of the patients. A gender related significant difference (P = 0.035) in Mason type distribution-type III fractures were more prominent in male patients vs type IV fractures in female patients-was observed in our study population.

CONCLUSION: Mason type I fractures can be treated safe conservatively with good results. In type II to IV surgical intervention is usually considered to be indicated.

Keywords: Elbow; Radial head; Radial neck; Fracture; Children; Adult

Core tip: To investigate several complications like persistent radial head dislocation, forearm deformity, elbow stiffness and nerve palsies, associated with radial head fractures. An analysis of clinical records revealed 1047 patients suffering from fractures of the radial head or neck classified according to Mason. Non-operative treatment was performed in 90.4% (n = 947) of the cases, surgery in 9.6% (n = 100). Full satisfaction was achieved in 59% (n = 615) of the patients. A gender related significant difference (P = 0.035) in Mason type distribution-type III fractures were more prominent in male patients vs type IV fractures in female patients-was observed in our study population.