Radial head fractures

Summary

Results from seven case series and one cohort study of treatment of radial head fractures show similar results between open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF) and radial head arthroplasty. Generally, the studies of both techniques concluded that each method was effective and suitable for the treatment of radial head fractures. However, the complexity of the radial head fracture was often an important factor in choosing the treatment method by the surgeon, thus causing the underlying patient groups to vary by treatment. Due to the nature of the literature and to the variety of treatment groups, treatment superiority cannot be established. A pro spective study such as a randomized controlled trial or a well-controlled cohort study is needed in order to recommend one treatment over another.