OBJECTIVETo compare the effect between open reduction internal fixation with Kirschner nails and miniplates in the treatment of Mason type II and III fractures of radial head.

METHODSFrom May 2004 to March 2010, 50 cases of Mason type II and III fractures of radial head were treated with Kirschner nails or mini-plates. In Kirschner nail group, there were 13 males and 10 females (mean age 42.5 +/- 0.7 years), and 14 cases of Mason type II and 9 cases of Mason type III fracture. In mini-plate group, there were 17 males and 10 females (mean age 41.7 +/- 0.5 years), and 16 cases of Mason type II and 11 cases of Mason type of III fracture. The excellent and good rates according to the Broberg and Morrey Elbow Score, and the rate of ectopic ossification were compared.

RESULTSAll the patients were followed up for 12-24 (mean 16.5 +/- 1.3) months. The Broberg and Morrey Elbow Score of mini-plate group was (90.5 +/- 11.6), and that of Kirschner nail group was (70.6 +/- 11.3). The result of mini-plate group was excellent in 15 cases, good in 9 cases, fair in 2 cases, and poor in 1 case; The result of Kirschner nail group was excellent in 8 cases, good in 9 cases, fair in 3 cases and poor in 3 cases. The effect of mini-plate group was better than that of Kirschner nail group. There was no statistic difference in the rate of ectopic ossification between the two groups (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONFractures of radial head can be well treated with open reduction and internal fixation by mini-plates, which offer better results than Kirschner nails.