Absorbable rod versus Herbert screw for radial head fractures:therapeutic effects and treatment costs / 中国组织工程研究

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND:Mason II type and III type radial head fractures with massive bone are mainly treated by open reduction and metal fixation, but metal implants have to be removed in the second operation, which increased patients’ travail and financial burden. Absorbable screw/rod also can be used to treat radial head fractures, and has its special advantages due to the low price and no second operation. OBJECTIVE:To compare the clinical therapeutic effects of absorbable rod and Herbert screw for the treatment of Mason II or III type radial head fractures. METHODS:A total of 80 patients with Mason II and III type radial head fractures were equal y assigned to experimental and control groups. They received open reduction and internal fixation. The experimental group was treated with absorbable rod and the control group received Herbert screw. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 79 patients were fol owed up for averagely 34 months. No significant difference in average operative time, fracture healing time, Broberg and Morrey elbow scores and incidence of complications was detected between the experimental and control groups (P>0.05). However, treatment costs were lower in the experimental group than in the control group (P<0.05). Results indicated that the therapeutic effects between absorbable rod and Herbert screw for Mason II or III type radial head fractures were similar. However, absorbable rod for radial head fractures can avoid the second operation for removal of the implant. Therefore, we recommend absorbable rod in the choice of internal fixation materials.