Radial Head Fractures.
A rather complex injury
J.M. Itamura, N. Roidis, S. Vaishnau,
T. Learch, R. Mirzayan, C.J. Shean
LAC+USC Medical Center, Orthopaedic Department,
University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
• FDA clearance is NOT APPLICABLE
• No benefits in any form have been received or will be received from a commercial party related directly
or indirectly to the subject of this study. No funds were received in support of this study
E-Poster Index
E-Poster Index
Radial Head Fractures
Most Clinicians have personally
experienced disappointment with
the treatment of radial head
fractures….
(Morrey, The Elbow, 2000)
E-Poster Index
Radial Head Fractures…
PURPOSE:
MRI evaluation of comminuted
radial head fractures
Associated osseous or ligamentous
injuries
E-Poster Index
Radial Head Fractures
Associated Injuries
Ligamentous Injuries
Other Fractures
Muscular Injuries
Osteochondral Lesions
E-Poster Index
Radial Head Fractures
Associated Ligamentous Injury
Arner, Acta Chir Orth, 1957
• 12 % MCL Calcification
Johanson, Acta Chir Orth 1962
• Arthrograms
• Type I- 4%, Type II-21%, Type III-85% MCL Injury
Davison,et al, CORR, 1993
• 50 consectutive radial head fractures
• 22% instabilty to valgus or axial stress (Essex-
Lopresti)
• 34% shear fracture pattern, all with MCL injury
• 44% minimal or non-displaced, all stable
E-Poster Index
Radial Head Fractures
Materials
Retrospective review
26 Patients Admitted to Upper Extremity
Trauma Service
Radial head fractures (OTA 21B2.2 &
21B2.3) – 5 cases of posterior dislocation
15 Male, 11 Female
Average age 47 years
Splinted at 90 Flexion
E-Poster Index
Radial Head Fractures
Materials
GE Sigma LX 1.5 Tesla Scanner with 5
inch surface coil
The studies were then evaluated by a
MR Musculoskeletal-trained radiologist
for lesions of: MCL, LCL, Capitellar
OCD’s or bone bruises, and loose
bodies
E-Poster Index
Radial Head Fractures
Results
N=26
MCL torn 76%
LCL torn 88%
Capitellar OCD’s 54%
Capitellar Bon