[Fracture of the radial head: the role of excision]

We assessed retrospectively forty cases of radial head fractures treated by excision.

The series is composed of men in 60% of cases and women in 40% of cases. The age of patients ranged from 15 to 68 years with an average of 37 years. According to Duparc classification, the fracture was type II in 20% of cases, type III in 32%, type IV in 42% and type V in 6%. An associated lesion in the same elbow was seen in 50% of cases; elbow dislocation was present in 38% of cases. The average of operative delay was 14 days (0 - 40 days).

The functional result was evaluated according to clinical score of Western Orthopaedic society. The results were satisfactory. We have noted a correlation between functional result and associated lesions, the delay of excision and postoperative immobilisation. Valgus ulna and ascension of the radius was minors and well tolerated exceptly in cases of fractures associated to elbow dislocations.

According to the results, we think that excision of radial head can be proposed essentially for the treatment of isolated radial head fracture.