title: On-table reconstruction of comminuted fractures of the radial head.
abstract: The most widely accepted treatment for comminuted fractures of the radial head is either the excision or open reduction and internal fixation. The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the value of an 'on-table' reconstruction technique in severely comminuted fractures of the radial head. In this study, two patients with a Mason type-III and four patients with a Mason type-IV radial-head fracture were treated with 'on-table' reconstruction and fixation using low-profile mini-plates. After a mean follow-up of 112 months (47-154 months), the mean elbow motion was 0-6-141 degrees extension flexion with 79 degrees of pronation and 70 degrees of supination. The mean Broberg and Morrey functional rating score was 97.0 points, the Mayo Elbow Performance Index was 99.2 points and the mean Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) Outcome Measure score was 1.94 points. One patient had symptoms of degenerative changes, with a slight joint-space narrowing. There were no radiographic signs of devitalisation at final examination. Comminuted fractures of the radial head, which would otherwise require excision, can be successfully treated with an 'on-table' reconstruction technique.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, Trauma Unit, Kantonsspital Graubunden, Chur, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Adrian
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Businger
authors.forename: Thomas P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Ruedi
authors.forename: Christoph
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sommer
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001860:Bone Plates; D001864:Bone Wires; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D004551:Elbow Joint; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019637:Orthopedic Procedures / Q000379:methods; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D011859:Radiography; D011884:Radius / Q000601:surgery*; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000145:classification / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D020127:Recovery of Function