OBJECTIVETo observe the short-term therapeutic effects of Herbert screw fixation on type Mason II, Ill radial head fractures.

METHODSFrom March 2008 to July 2010,15 patients with Mason II, III radial head fractures were treated by open reduction and Herbert screw fixation including 6 males and 9 females with the mean age of 32 years (from 18 to 55). Seven cases were left and 8 cases were right. The interval from injury to hospitalization ranged from 3 to 10 hours. The clinical symptoms were swelling, pain, restricted movement in elbow. Bonycrepitus were heard on the elbow joint and X-ray film showed radial head fractures. Mayo elbow scoring system was used to evaluate recovery of elbow function.

RESULTSAll the incisions primarily healed without myositis ossificans. All the patients were followed up for 6 to 15 months. According to Mayo elbow score, the result was excellent in 8 cases, good in 5 cases and fair in 2 cases. Mayo score was (86.67+/-1.26) points, which including pain (53.33+/-9.76), joint function(27.33+/-4.58), joint stability(6.00+/-2.07) elbow joint mobility was 70 degrees-130 degrees with the average of (105+/-10) degrees, forearm rotation was 1000-1300 with the average of (120+/-16) degrees.

CONCLUSIONTreatment of Mason II, II radial head fractures with Herbert screw fixation has advantages of satisfactory reduction, reliable fixation,easy operating and early movement of joint.