Treament of Mason type-III comminuted fractures of radial head with miniplate and screw

Objective To study the effect of miniplate and screw on Mason type-Ⅲ comminuted fractures of radial head. Methods 35 cases of Mason type-Ⅲ radial head fracture were treated from January, 2002 to March, 2010. All cases were treated by miniplate and screw after open reduction. The overall outcome were assessed based on of the pain, motion, strength, radiographic findings and the function rating score described by Broberg and Morrey. Results 35 cases had a mean follow-up of 12 months (6 to 14 months), the average pain VAS score was 21.7, and the mean Morrey score was 85.3. 94.3% patients got satisfactory results, there were no evident change in the elbow carrying angle and no wrist arthritis cases. Conclusion Open reduction and miniplate and screw internal fixation can result in more satisfactory elbow motion, greater muscle strength and better functional recovery in the treatment of Mason type-Ⅲ comminuted fractures of radial head.