Abstract
The treatment of choice for Mason type III radial head fracture was total excision. But, open
reduction and internal fixation of fractures of the radial head has become a commonplace as the
result of both improvements in the techniques and implants for the fixation of small articular
fragments as well as increasing recognition of the important role that the radial head plays in the
stability of the forearm and elbow, particularly in the face of acute combined osseous and
ligamentous injury. To date, reports of radial head fixation have made little mention on Mason
type III fracture.
From January 1993 to September 1997, 10 patients with fracture of radial head(Mason type III)
were treated at Yong-dong Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine. There
were 6 males and 4 females with average age of 30 years(range 16 to 47). All of the fractures
were comminuted and Mason type III. Seven fractures were the results of falling down and two
slipping down and one pedestrian injury. Six fractures(60%) were evaluated as good or excellent
by Bruces criteria. The heterotopic ossification was complicated in two cases. The nonunion of
radial head fracture occured in two cases. The radial nerve palsy occured in one case. The partial
ankylosis of elbow developed in three cases. Kirschners wires migrated in four cases. Open
reduction and internal fixation increased the range of motion and decreased the subjective pain
and did not cause any proximal migration of radius, impingement of ulnar carpal and
radiocapitellar joint and could be a good treatment modality. The further evaluation should be
directed to camparison between the open reduction and internal fixation and prosthetic
replacement after total excision of radial head.