title: Fractures of the capitellum--a comparison of two fixation methods.
abstract: Isolated capitellar fractures are rare, accounting for only 1 per cent of all elbow fractures (Bryan and Morrey, The Elbow and its Disorders, 1985). Many different fixation methods have been described but no series has compared these treatment modalities because of the rarity of these fractures. This paper compares the outcome of two types of fixation of type I capitellar fractures. Group one (n = 6) had open reduction and Kirschner wire fixation while group two (n = 6) had open reduction and Herbert screw fixation. Both groups were compared clinically, functionally and radiographically. We found that Herbert screw fixation enabled earlier mobilization and a better functional outcome.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, St Vincent's Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland.
authors.forename: A R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Poynton
authors.forename: I P
authors.initials: IP
authors.lastname: Kelly
authors.forename: S K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: O'Rourke
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001863:Bone Screws; D001864:Bone Wires; D002648:Child; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D006810:Humeral Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D000092464:Elbow Injuries