Magnetic resonance imaging findings in 46 elbows with a radial head fracture

Abstract

Background and purposeRadial head fractures are common, and may be associated with other injuries of clinical importance. We present the results of a standard additional MRI scan for patients with a radial head fracture.Patients and methods44 patients (mean age 47 years) with 46 radial head fractures underwent MRI. 17 elbows had a Mason type-I fracture, 23 a Mason type-II fracture, and 6 elbows had a Mason type-III fracture.ResultsAssociated injuries were found in 35 elbows: 28 elbows had a lateral collateral ligament lesion, 18 had capitellar injury, 1 had a coronoid fracture, and 1 elbow had medial collateral ligament injury.InterpretationThe incidence of associated injuries with radial head fractures found with MRI was high. The clinical relevance should be investigated.

Magnetic resonance imaging in radial head fractures: most associated injuries are not clinically relevant

“…5 Radial head fractures are frequently accompanied by associated osseous, chondral, and ligamentous injuries of the ipsilateral upper extremity. 6,8,23 Ligamentous and chondral injuries commonly remain undetected by conventional radiographs but may have consequences for treatment. 2,11,20,24 Recent studies using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) show a 76% to 92% incidence of associated injuries in patients with a radial head fracture.…”

“…2,11,20,24 Recent studies using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) show a 76% to 92% incidence of associated injuries in patients with a radial head fracture. 6,8 In a retrospective study of 333 patients with a radial head fracture, clinically relevant associated fractures or soft-tissue injuries, or both, were diagnosed in 39%. 23 Early diagnosis of these injuries using MRI might provide greater understanding of injuries of patients with a radial head fracture and optimize treatment and provide patients with a better estimate of their prognosis.…”

Unique model evokes the supination/pronation deficits found after Mason II fractures

“…The smaller ROM loss at the 2 o'clock location corresponded with the fewest number of specimens exhibiting a ROM loss. The combination of these results could relate to the concept of a “safe zone” used in the placement of screws to fix radial head fractures . Screws are placed in the safe zone because forearm rotation brings the surface of this part of the circumference less frequently into contact with the ulnar notch.…”

Radial Head Fractures

“…32 Some authors have assessed the use of a computed tomography scan or magnetic resonance imaging when evaluating fractures about the elbow owing to its complex osseous anatomy. 33,34 Certainly this seems reasonable when evaluating complex injury patterns; however, for simple nondisplaced or minimally displaced fracture patterns without mechanical blocks to motion, where further elucidation of the fracture pattern is not going to influence treatment, we routinely negate the added costs of a computed tomography scan. In addition, the additional information provided by magnetic resonance imaging has not been shown to change treatment.…”