Comparison of flexion versus extension splinting in the treatment of Mason type I radial head and neck fractures.

At an average of 18.4 months after fracture, 20 adult patients with nondisplaced radial head or neck fractures were examined regarding manner of treatment and functional outcome: 11 patients were initially immobilized in 90 degrees flexion and nine patients were immobilized in straight extension. Loss of range of motion of the injured elbow averaged 1 degree loss of flexion, 2 degrees loss of extension, 1 degree loss of supination, and 2 degrees loss of pronation. No patient reported any functional impairment, and only five patients (25%) reported any symptoms referable to the injured elbow on follow-up. The manner of initial treatment did not seem to affect ultimate outcome; symptomatic treatment and splinting followed by early range of motion would appear to produce uniformly good results.