Current concepts in the management of radial head fractures

Table 1 Classification and description of radial head fractures

Description of classification according to various authors
Type	Mason	Johnston	Hotchkiss	Broberg and Morrey	Rineer
I	Without displacement	Without displacement	< 2 mm dislocation	< 2 mm dislocation
II	With displacement	With displacement	> 2 mm dislocation	> 2-3 mm dislocation and involves > 30% of radial head	Cortical contact between fragments
					> stable
					No cortical contact between fragments
					> unstable
III	Comminuted	Comminuted	Comminuted	Comminuted
IV	-	Fracture associated with dislocation of the elbow		Fracture associated with dislocation of the elbow

Table 2 Summery of treatment options for different types of radial head fractures

Mason type	Indication	Treatment options1
I	All	Conservative with early motion
II	Stable	Conservative with early motion or ORIF
	Unstable	Conservative with early motion or ORIF
	Block with rotation	ORIF
	III	2-3 simple fragments	ORIF
> 3 unstable fragments		Arthroplasty
IV	See above	See above

¹The treatment options for the radial head are listed here. It is essential to recognize associated injuries that may require surgical treatment such as lateral collateral ligament ruptures and impaction damage of the capitellum. ORIF: Open reduction and internal fixation.