Fractures of the radial head associated with dislocation of the elbow constitute a pathology for which it is difficult to choose treatment, and that has a high failure rate. A retrospective study of the literature and of a series of cases was conducted: 31 patients came to our observation between 1990 amd 2001 and were analyzed by clinical (Broberg and Morrey Score and SECEC Score) and radiographic testing. Based on the Broberg and Morrey Score the results were excellent in 4 patients (13%), good in 8 (26%), fair in 12 (39%), and poor in 7 (22%) with a success rate of 39% and a failure rate of 61% principally due to secondary stiffness and instability. In an attempt to reduce the number of failures, a treatment protocol aimed at restoring a stable, mobile and painless elbow was devised.