Functional Outcomes of Radial Head Fractures Treated With Open Reduction and Internal Fixation (ORIF)

Background: Radial head fractures (RHFs) account for a considerable injury. This study focuses on the functional results of people who had open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF).

Objective: To evaluate the functional outcomes of Mason type II and III RHFs treated with ORIF using the Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) over a 12-month postoperative period.

Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the Orthopedic Surgery Department at Birmingham Heartlands Hospital. The research included 44 patients diagnosed with RHFs. Data regarding the patient's medical history, radiological imaging, and surgical interventions were collected from their medical records. The MEPS was utilized to assess functional outcomes at baseline and at six and 12 months postoperatively.

Results: The mean age was 42.55 ± 10.24 years. Of the total 44 patients, there were 32 (72.7%) male and 12 (27.3%) female patients. The cause of fracture was fall from height in seven (15.9%) patients, road traffic accidents in 34 (77.3%), and other in three (6.8%) patients. MEPS was measured at baseline, six months, and 12 months. There were 15 (55.6%) in type II and 10 (58.8%) in type III with excellent outcome, 10 (37%) in type II and six (35.3%) in type III with good outcome, and two (7.4%) in type II and one (5.9%) in type III with fair outcome. Conclusion: Overall results from ORIF for RHF are favorable. After a year, the functional outcomes of patients with isolated Mason type III RHF are comparable to those of type II patients.