[Mason I fracture - a simple injury?]

Mason I fractures of the radial head are judged to be simple injuries that can generally be treated nonoperatively. According to the current literature mainly good and excellent results can be expected. We present a case series of patients presenting to us due to complications of Mason I fractures.

We reviewed all cases of patients that were treated because of complaints following Mason I radial head fractures. In all, 16 patients (10 men and 6 women) were identified. Mean age was 37 years (range 16-59 years). Mean time between trauma and surgery was 25 months (range 1-108 months).

Ten patients developed painful osteoarthritis with elbow stiffness and loose bodies, 4 patients suffered a posterolateral rotatory instability that had to be treated with ligament reconstruction, 1 patient presented with a combined medial and lateral instability, and 1 patient with a symptomatic hypertophic plica posterolateralis. Diagnotics and therapeutic concepts of these complications will be presented.

In light of the complications, Mason I fractures must be reevaluated. They remain the domain of conservative treatment but close follow-up is recommended to recognize possible complications early in order to prevent stiffness, chronic instabilities, and osteoarthritis.