[Retrospective analysis of 78 surgically repaired fractures of the radial head]

The authors present a analysis of 78 cases of radial head fracture operated in the same department. 16 cases were added to the first study of 62 cases operated between 1967 and 1988 and published in 1991. According to the Mason classification modified by Morrey, there were 22 type II, 24 type III and 32 type IV. Surgical treatment consisted in an osteosynthesis in 35 cases, a fracture fragment excision in 9 cases, a resection of the head in 24 cases, a silastic prosthesis in 10 cases. The results have been studied on a functional and radiological basis with follow-up from 2 to 23 years (mean 5 years). The authors noted the good results of the type II fractures which had an osteosynthesis, the satisfactory results in more than 50% of the cases with resection of the radial head. The comparison of both series established the absence of prosthesis in the recent one. The poor results of the comminutive fractures with elbow dislocation lead the authors to consider the prothesis in these fractures, as a possible indication.