Long-term results and treatment modalities of conservatively treated Broberg–Morrey type 1 radial head fractures

Background and aimThis study assessed the long-term outcome (>6 months, with a mean of 46 months after injury) of the conservatively treated radial head fracture type 1 of the Broberg–Morrey (B–M) modification of the Mason classification. The main aim of this study is to assess the limitations in ADL activities on long term following a conservative treatment for B–M 1 radial head fractures.Patients and methodsOut of a total patient group of 312 patients, 94 patients responded to our invitation for participation in the long-term follow-up study. These patients were included with a mean age of 42 years at time of injury and average of 46 months after injury. Most patients were treated with an upper arm cast or pressure bandage. These 94 patients were invited to fill out the validated Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire for elbow functioning as well as a demographic questionnaire. Basic patient and treatment data were collected from the hospital and trauma registration systems.ResultsForty-two percent of patients scored 0 (no disabilities) on the DASH questionnaire, 38% had a DASH score between 0.1 and 10.1, and 20% scored over 10.1. Correlations of the non-operative treatment modalities; immobilisation type, physiotherapy, smoking at time of injury, injury mechanism and immobilisation period with DASH outcome have not been found.ConclusionIt appears that a B–M type 1 radial head fracture is not always accompanied with regaining full function on long term. To what extent these observed limitations influence patient behaviour and how treatment modalities influence these limitations should be the base of future prospective research.