[Management of dislocated radial head fractures with biodegradable implants]

The Mason classification is used for radial head fractures. Mason type I fractures are managed by a functional conservative treatment of no loading for six weeks. Mason II fractures with a displacement greater than 10° or a depression of greater than 2 millimeters are treated with open reduction and use of biodegradable implants constructed of polylactide. These implants have the advantage of maintaining the joint surface by placement beneath the surface of the articular cartilage. Furthermore, the implants can be placed from various positions through the articular surface and are therefore more versatile than other modes of open reduction.

The OP technique in Mason II radial head fracture is demonstrated in a video for the example of a 31-year-old male patient.

35 patients were treated using the new polylactide pins (Polypin®). Average follow-up for 34 patients was 38 months. 31 patients with Mason type II fractures presented with a score of 96 out of 100 using the Broberg Morrey score. CT scans were performed after 18 and 24 months in all patients. One first degree asymptomatic osteolysis was observed at 18 months which was reduced at 24 months. Two years later the pins were not visible on conventional X-rays. CT scans at 5 years revealed the implants to be in various levels of resorption and bony regrowth.

Dislocated radial head fractures can be treated with good results with biodegradable implants.