Comparing the outcomes of tripod technique and locked plate fixation for the treatment of Mason type 3 radial head fractures

Abstract

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to compare functional outcomes and complication rates of tripod technique and locked plate fixation used in Mason type 3 radial head fractures.

Patients and methods: Between January 2012 and December 2019, a total of 27 patients (16 males, 11 females; median age: 43.2 years; range, 20 to 68 years) with Mason type 3 radial head fractures were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into two groups according to fixation method used. Group 1 consisted of 12 patients who were treated with tripod technique, and Group 2 consisted of 15 patients who were treated with locked plate fixation. Operation time, follow-up period, length of hospital stay, union time, Disabilities of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) scores, range of motions and complications were recorded.

Results: The median time to bone union was 46.7 days in Group 1, which was significantly shorter than Group 2 (p<0.001). The median forearm pronation-supination arc was 123.75° (range, 30° to 180°) in Group 1 and was 94° (range, 45° to 180°) in Group 2. There was no significant difference in the forearm rotation between the groups. The median elbow flexion-extension arc was 99.17° (range, 65° to 130°) in Group 1 and was 80.33° (range, 30° to 130°) in Group 2. No statistically significant difference was found in the flexion-extension and pronationsupination arc degrees. There was no significant difference in the postoperative DASH scores between the groups (p=0.464).

Conclusion: Our study results demonstrate that comparable results can be achieved in both techniques regarding functional outcome and range of motion. With a shorter union time and less complication rates, the tripod technique should be considered as the primary treatment method for the comminuted radial head fractures without a metaphyseal defect.

Citation: Adıgüzel İF, Orman O, Ünkar EA, Baydar M, Eren M, Öztürk K. Comparing the outcomes of tripod technique and locked plate fixation for the treatment of Mason type 3 radial head fractures. Jt Dis Relat Surg 2023;34(3):716-723. doi: 10.52312/ jdrs.2023.1161.

The study protocol was approved by the University of Health Sciences Baltalimanı Bone Diseases Training and Research Hospital Ethics Committee (date: 05.08.2022, no: 82-585). The study was conducted in accordance with the principles of the Declaration of Helsinki.

Idea/concept, materials, writing the article, critical review, analysis and/or interpretation, literature review: İ.F.A.; Design, writing the article, critical review, analysis and/or interpretation, literature review: O.O.; Analysis and/or interpretation, critical review: M.E.; Materials, data collection and/or processing: E.A.Ü; Control/ supervision, analysis and/or interpretation: M.B.; Control/ supervision, Design, critical review: K.Ö.

The authors declared no conflicts of interest with respect to the authorship and/or publication of this article.

The authors received no financial support for the research and/or authorship of this article.

A written informed consent was obtained from each patient.

The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.