Controversies Surrounding the Management of the Isolated Type-II Radial-Head Fracture

Abstract

• * The ideal management of the isolated Mason type-II radial-head fracture is controversial, with studies supporting both nonoperative and operative management.
• * Inherent controversy remains in the precise definition of the Mason type-II injury and the degree of displacement considered acceptable for nonoperative treatment.
• * The limitations of current studies include their retrospective nature, lack of adequate controls, insufficient power, uncertain pre-injury functional scores, heterogeneous grouping of radial-head fractures, and variability in fixation techniques.
• * The design of future comparative studies may consider a suitably powered and controlled prospective study, utilizing a consistent fixation technique, performed at a high-volume center of excellence or at multiple sites.
• * The impact of patient factors on clinical outcomes warrants further exploration, and future research may consider focusing on potential approaches to modifiable risk factors.