title: On-table reconstruction and fixation of Mason type III radial head fractures.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the functional and radiological outcome of comminuted radial head fractures, which were not amenable for classical open reduction with internal fixation, treated by on-table reconstruction and fixation using low profile plates.
  
  
  METHODS
  We reviewed 6 patients of Mason type III radial head fractures treated by on-table reconstruction technique between 2011 and 2013. There were 5 men and 1 woman with a mean age of 35 years (range 25-46 years). All surgeries were carried out at our tertiary care level 1 trauma centre within a mean of 3 days (range 1-8 days) from date of injury using on-table reconstruction technique. The functional outcome was measured using elbow functional rating index described by Broberg and Morrey and the patient-based Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) outcome measure.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean follow-up period was 25 months. The average elbow flexion was 135°(range 125°-140°) and theaverage flexion contracture was 5°(range 0-10°). The average supination and pronation was 75°(range 70°-80°) and 70°(range 65°-82°) respectively. According to Broberg and Morrey scoring system, the average score was 90 points (range 75-100). The mean DASH score was 2.49 points.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  On-table reconstruction and fixation of comminuted radial head fractures using low profile plates is a reasonable option. The reconstructed radial head acts as spacer and provides reasonably good results and no surgical intervention is required for asymptomatic nonunion of these fractures regardless of the radiological findings.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedics, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India.
authors.forename: G N
authors.initials: GN
authors.lastname: Kiran Kumar
authors.forename: Gaurav
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: Kamran
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Farooque
authors.forename: Vijay
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Sharma
authors.forename: Vaibhav
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Jain
authors.forename: Ravijot
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Singh
authors.forename: Vivek
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Morey
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D018460:Fractures, Comminuted / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000601:surgery*; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*