title: The long-term outcome of open reduction and internal fixation of stable displaced isolated partial articular fractures of the radial head.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Excellent long-term results have been reported for nonoperative treatment of stable isolated displaced partial articular (Mason 2) fractures of the radial head, suggesting that the role of operative treatment can be questioned. This investigation reports the long-term outcome of operatively treated Mason 2 radial head fractures.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixteen patients with stable displaced partial articular (Mason 2) fractures of the radial head not associated with fracture or dislocation of the proximal forearm were evaluated an average of 22 years (range, 14-30 years) after open reduction and internal fixation with screws (11 patients) or a plate and screws (5 patients). Complications included two infections (1 deep and 1 superficial), two patients with restriction of motion because of screws of excessive length, and one transient posterior interosseous nerve palsy. A second surgery for implant removal was routine (14 of 16 patients).
  
  
  RESULTS
  The average flexion arc was 129 degrees (range, 110-145 degrees) and the average forearm rotation arc was 166 degrees (range, 120-180 degrees). According to the Mayo Elbow Performance Index, elbow function was excellent in nine patients, good in four, fair in two, and poor in one patient. According to the classification system of Steinberg et al., there were three good, eight fair, and five poor results. The average score on the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand questionnaire was 12 points (range, 0-52).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The long-term results of operative treatment of stable isolated displaced partial articular (Mason 2) fractures of the radial head demonstrate no appreciable advantage over the long-term results of nonoperative treatment of these fractures published in prior reports. Moreover, the appeal of operative treatment is diminished by the potential complications.
authors: Harvard Medical School, Orthopaedic Hand and Upper Extremity Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA.
authors: Anneluuk L C
authors: AL
authors: Lindenhovius
authors: Quinten
authors: Q
authors: Felsch
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Ring
authors: Peter
authors: P
authors: Kloen
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates; D001863:Bone Screws; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004551:Elbow Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular / Q000502:physiology*; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult