[The results of open reduction and internal fixation of radial head fractures]. / Radius basi kiriklarinda açik redüksiyon ve internal tespit sonuçlari.

OBJECTIVES: We evaluated the results of radial head fractures treated with open reduction and internal fixation. METHODS: Fifteen patients (9 men, 6 women; mean age 38 years; range 23 to 46 years) underwent open reduction and internal fixation for radial head fractures. According to the Mason classification system, the fractures were type II in seven patients, type III in five patients, and type IV in three patients. Accompanying fractures involved the coronoid process (n=3), olecranon and coronoid process (n=1), scaphoid and coronoid process (n=1), scaphoid with perilunate dislocation (n=1), and the capitellum (n=1). One patient had a Colles' fracture. Osteosynthesis was performed with an AO small plate in nine patients and with a screw in six patients. Bone grafts taken from the distal part of the radius were used in five patients. Clinical and radiographic evaluations were made with the use of a modified Morrey functional evaluation index. The mean follow-up period was 26.4 months (range 14 to 53 months). RESULTS: Functional results were excellent in six elbows, good in three elbows, and moderate in three elbows. Pseudoarthrosis of the radius head was encountered in three patients. Reductions were assessed as anatomic in 12 patients, good in two patients, and poor in one patient. CONCLUSION: In the treatment of radial head fractures, the anatomic integrity of the radius head should be preserved in order to maintain the biomechanics of the elbow. Following a meticulous treatment plan and with preservation of the lateral ligament anatomy, osteosynthesis performed in a safe zone and achievement of a stable elbow may provide successful results in the treatment of radial head fractures.

[Rupture of the triceps brachii tendon: a case report]. / Triceps brachii tendon kopmasi: Olgu sunumu.

Triceps tendon rupture is a rare condition. A thirty-three year old man presented with a complaint of pain in his left elbow, which occurred when his motorcycle slid and flipped on one side. Physical examination two days after the accident showed swelling and ecchymosis in the elbow. There was a palpable, slightly tender defect in the triceps tendon just above the olecranon. He had normal supination and pronation. A marked weakness was noted in elbow extension as compared with the other side. A diagnosis of triceps tendon rupture was made. Radiographs revealed osteoarthrosis of the elbow joint and osteophyte formation on the top of the olecranon. Magnetic resonance scans showed a partial tear in the triceps tendon. It was repaired with large, nonabsorbable sutures passed through the holes drilled in the olecranon. The extremity was immobilized for three weeks, followed by progressive active flexion in a controlled-motion brace. Active strengthening of the triceps was begun after three months. At the end of a year, the range of motion of the elbow was full except 10 degrees loss of extension and there was no pain.