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Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery

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01-02-2007 | Trauma Surgery

Radial head fractures: effectiveness of conservative treatment versus surgical intervention

A systematic review

Authors: P. A. A. Struijs, G. Smit, E. Ph. Steller

Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery | Issue 2/2007

Abstract

Introduction

Radial head fractures are common elbow fractures. The Mason classification is used to describe the fracture. As of yet, there is no consensus on optimal treatment strategy for Mason II–IV fractures. The aim of this study was to compare the results of conservative treatment with different surgical strategies for radial head fractures.

Materials and methods

Electronic databases from 1966 to 2004 were screened. Based on our inclusion criteria, 24 studies, describing 825 patients, were included.

Results

For Mason type II fractures, residual pain was present in 42% of the conservatively treated of the patients compared to 32% of the surgically treated patients. Good/excellent results for Broberg score were 52 and 88%, respectively. For Mason type III and IV fractures, no conservatively treated patients were described.

Conclusions

There is insufficient evidence to be able to draw definitive conclusions on optimal treatment of type II–IV radial head fractures. Evidence is currently limited to a maximum level II evidence. There is great need for sufficiently powered randomized controlled trials.

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Title: Radial head fractures: effectiveness of conservative treatment versus surgical intervention
A systematic review
Authors: P. A. A. Struijs
G. Smit
E. Ph. Steller
Publication date: 01-02-2007
Publisher: Springer-Verlag
Published in: Archives of Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery / Issue 2/2007
Print ISSN: 0936-8051
Electronic ISSN: 1434-3916
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00402-006-0240-4

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Radial head fractures: effectiveness of conservative treatment versus surgical intervention

A systematic review

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Introduction

Materials and methods

Results

Conclusions

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