[Treatment of displaced and comminuted multifragment fractures of the head of the radius: is resection a therapeutic option?].

Abstract

The treatment of displaced comminuted fractures of the radial head type III of the Mason classification is still controversial. The restoration of anatomy including additional lesions with a stable fixation is a prerequisite of early mobilisation. Removal of the radial head, in case of severe comminution, and complete separation of the fragments from the radial neck remain the exception. Insertion of a prosthesis as a spacer is only recommended if there is a remaining instability of the elbow after resection of the radial head. With this treatment modality we have 22/29 good to very good results evaluated by the Morrey score after a follow-up period of 8 years (4-11 years).