Treatment Modalities of Radial Head Fractures

Abstract

The radial head is a disc shape structure plays an important role in formation of two joints: with the capitelum (the radio­ capitellar joint) and with the proximal end of ulna (the superior radio-ulnar joint).

The radio-capitellar joint moves in one ax which is the flexion and extension while the superior radio-ulnar joint permit the forearm rotation across the axis passes from the middle of the radial head and the distal end of ulna.

There are many classification for radial head fracture the most commonly used is Mason classification; in1954 Mason classify radial head fracture into 3 types: -Type 1: small or marginal fractures with minimal displacement. -Type II: marginal fractures with displacement.

-Type Ill: comminuted fracture of the head.

In 1962 Johnston modifies the Mason's classification by adding a forth type which is: Type IV: any of the •previous types associated with elbow dislocation.