Comminuted fractures of the radial head: Favorable outcome after 15–25 years of follow-up in 19 patients

Background There have been few reports on the long-term outcome of comminuted radial head fractures in adults. Method 10 women and 9 men with a mean age of 45 (21–65) years when they sustained a comminuted fracture of the radial head were re-evaluated after 15–25 years. 6 patients had been nonoperatively (NO) treated while 13 had had a radial head excision. The uninjured elbow served as a control. Results At follow-up, 11 patients (4 NO patients) rated their fractured elbow as being without deficits, 7 (1 NO) as being slightly impaired, and 1 (NO) as being severely impaired. Range of motion and elbow strength were not impaired, and even though there were more degenerative changes such as cysts, osteophytes, and sclerosis in the injured elbows by radiography, the prevalence of joint space reduction was not higher. Interpretation Most patients with an isolated comminuted fracture of the radial head treated nonoperatively or with a radial head excision report no or only minor long-term complaints.