RESUMO
Background@#In Mason classification type II radial head fractures, compared to plate fixation, fixation with cannulated headless screws and absorbable pins has been reported to provide more favorable postoperative outcomes, including less postoperative limitation in range of motion. The fact that radial head fractures are less prone to weight-bearing during fracture union further supports the use of absorbable screws as a suitable alternative treatment option in radial head fractures. This study aimed to perform fixation through open reduction using bioabsorbable magnesium screws for Mason type II radial head fractures and to report radiographic and clinical results. @*Methods@#Among patients who visited the orthopedic department from April 2017 to August 2021, 22 with surgical indications were selected for participation. Radiographic tests were conducted at 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 8 weeks, 12 weeks, 6 months, and over 1 year after surgery to confirm the degree of bone union, reduction loss, and degree of H 2 gas production. The Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score, Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS), hand grip power, and range of joint motion were measured at the 6-month follow-up to evaluate the clinical efficacy of the operation. @*Results@#Bone union was confirmed in all 22 cases, and the mean time to union was 10.2 weeks. DASH score was 22.27 on average and no patients complained of significant discomfort after the surgery. The mean MEPS was 91.1. The hand grip power of the affected hand was similar to that of the unaffected hand, being 1.19% weaker on average. These differences reached statistical significance (p = 0.002). The range of elbow joint motion was measured: mean flexion, 146.1°; mean extension, 1.4°; mean pronation, 88.2°; and mean supination, 87.9°. @*Conclusions@#In treating Mason type II radial head fractures, the use of bioabsorbable screws made of magnesium showed satisfactory results in radiographic and clinical evaluations. Magnesium bioabsorbable screws can maintain sufficient stability at the fracture site and have the advantage of avoiding secondary operation for the removal of internal fixation devices.
RESUMO
Open reduction in an AO 33-A3 class distal femur transverse and comminuted fracture is often difficult due to frequent reduction loss during surgery, leading to longer operative time and increased blood loss intra-operation. In this study, the authors report a case in which the use of an offset grid plate (OsteoMed, USA) using 2.4 mm HPS (hand plating system) eased the process of fracture reduction and achieved a stable internal fixation, ultimately leading to successful osteosynthesis. The authors experienced no need for temporary fixation devices such as K-wires or screws, which are otherwise required to stabilize the reduction. The fracture reduction was stable throughout the primary fixation of the fracture using a locking plate and screws. The authors report that the advantage of the HPS plate is fitting into the cortical contour and providing stable maintenance of fracture reduction intra-operation, which would be beneficial in certain distal femoral fracture patterns.