Abstract
BackgroundManagement of comminuted radial fractures remains controversial. Currently, the emergence of on-table reconstruction technique has made fixation in comminuted radial head fractures more viable. However, since only a few previous studies have investigated small amounts of patients with conflicting complication rates, the treatment effects of on-table technique may be discrepant in different cases and its reliability needs to be evaluated cautiously in the practical surgical process. The present study reported an intro-operative unstable displacement from the reconstructed radial head to the neck during plate fixation, characterized by a poor radiocapitellar contact and incongruity between the radial head and neck. Subsequently, a hybrid technique combining with intramedullary pining was performed to restore the normal alignment and maintain the stability of fixation. Therefore, the purpose of this article aimed to prove the feasibility of unstable comminuted radial head fractures treated with the extramedullary plate and intramedullary pinning fixation using titanium elastic nails. MethodsFive patients with unstable comminuted radial head fractures (Mason type-III) were selected from January 2012 to May 2018 in this study. All patients were treated with open reduction and internal fixation using extramedullary plate and intramedullary pinning. During follow-up, the radiographic examination was conducted to evaluate the status of bone union, heterotopic ossification and post-traumatic arthritis. The functional assessment was performed to evaluate clinical effects, which included measurements of range of motion in the elbow, Visual Analog Scale score, Elbow Self-Assessment score, Mayo Elbow Performance score, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH)Outcome Measure score.ResultsAfter a mean follow-up of 44 months (range, 36 to 48), the average range of motion in elbow flexion-extension was 125° with supination of 84°and pronation of 74°. Based on the Elbow Self-Assessment score, there was one very good, two good, one satisfied, and one sufficient, respectively. The mean Visual Analog Scale score for pain was 1 (range, 0 to 3) and the mean Mayo Elbow Performance score was 83 (range, 70 to 95). The DASH score revealed good to excellent results with a mean score of 10 (range, 2.3 to 27). Two patients had mild signs of posttraumatic arthritis, and heterotopic ossifications rating as grade I were observed in three patients. However, none of them was affected in daily life. ConclusionCollectively, intramedullary pinning with extramedullary plate fixation is feasible in unstable comminuted radial head fractures, which can be considered as a remedial surgery for on-table reconstruction technique.
In Brief: The Mason Classification of Radial Head Fractures
