RESUMEN
PURPOSE: Radial head fractures are the most common elbow fractures in adults, and are often accompanied with elbow dislocation resulting in various complications. This study examined the outcome of surgical treatment of a radial head fracture and its prognostic factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From January 1997 to February 2004, a retrospective analysis was performed on 25 radial head fracture patients with an elbow dislocation, also including elbow fracture, whose follow-up data could be obtained for more than 12 months. The surgical results were evaluated according to the prognostic factors and the Mayo Elbow Performance Index, which assessed the elbow joint function and pain. RESULTS: According to the Mayo Elbow Performance Index, the results were excellent in 11 cases, good in 5 cases, fair in 5 cases, and poor in 4 cases. Cases with post-surgical elbow joint instability showed statistically meaningful poor outcomes. However, there were good in the groups without an accompanied fracture, with no open fracture, type II and III Mason classification, and fixation period 4 weeks or less. Correlation analysis revealed a younger age and shorter immobilization period to have better results, and the immobilization period showed the strongest correlations with the Mayo Elbow Performance index. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, younger age, less severe injury in the initial event and a shorter immobilization period are good prognostic factors in radial head fractures combined elbow dislocations.