Clinical and radiographic outcomes of treatment of comminuted Mason type II radial head fractures with a new implant

This study aims to evaluate the clinical and radiographic treatment outcomes of comminuted Mason type II radial head fractures, which underwent open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using a new implant (mother-child screw, MCS). This study included 16 patients (7 male and 9 female patients; mean age: 40.9 years, age range: 19–68 years), who were treated with ORIF, followed by MCS fixation for comminuted type II radial head fractures. The clinical results were evaluated using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). Radiographs, which included the quality of fracture reduction, stability, osteoarthritis, and heterotopic ossification of the elbow, were investigated. The mean follow-up period was 23.4 months. Anatomical reduction and bone union were achieved in all patients treated with MCS, and mean union time was 6.2 weeks. The average flexion-extension arc of elbow motion was 135.6° (range: 125°–150°), and the average arc of forearm rotation was 155.3° (range: 145°–170°). Furthermore, MEPS was 94.1 (range: 85–100), and the rate of excellent and good was 100%. All patients returned to preinjury work within a mean period of 11.7 weeks. No heterotopic ossification and joint stiffness of the elbow were encountered. Two patients had mild arthritic changes (grade I), but none of these patients complained of pain. The use of MCS fixation for comminuted type II radial head fractures resulted in good clinical and radiographic outcomes.