[The results of a resection intervention in isolated fractures of the radial head].

The results of radial head excision were studied in 33 patients with isolated fracture of the radial head. The follow-up period ranged from 1 to 19 years (mean 9.5 years). Overall results were excellent or good in 25 patients (76%) and fair or poor in 8 patients (24%) with functional limitation of the elbow. Range of motion was greatly limited in those patients who had a myositis ossificans or a radio-ulnar synostosis. Periarticular ossifications were observed in 17 elbows (54%) and subluxation of the inferior radio-ulnar joint in 20 wrists (60%). Excision of the radial head is the treatment of choice for comminuted isolated fractures of the radial head, even if in some patients limited elbow function should be expected.