Functional Outcome of Radial Head Fracture Treated with Open Reduction Internal Fixation using Plating Versus Herbert Screw Fixation: A Case Series

Background: Radial head fractures can be addressed with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using either plating or Herbert screw fixation. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the functional outcomes of these two techniques. Materials and Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 30 patients who underwent surgery for radial head fractures between June 2020 and July 2023. Patients were assessed using the modified Mason classification and underwent ORIF with either plating or Herbert screws. Results: This retrospective study evaluated 30 patients with radial head fractures treated between June 2020 and July 2023, comparing outcomes between ORIF with plating versus Herbert screw fixation. The mean age was 45.45 years (standard deviation 12.74). Fractures were evenly classified as Mason type II (15 cases) and Mason type III (15 cases). Patients treated with Herbert screws showed better functional outcomes with higher mayo elbow performance scores (86 ± 2.74 vs. 80 ± 4.47) and lower Quick disability of arm, shoulder, and hand scores (6.4 ± 1.14 vs. 9.6 ± 1.52). Conclusion: Herbert screw fixation for radial head fractures results in better functional outcomes and fewer complications than plating. However, further studies with larger sample sizes and extended follow-up periods are needed to validate these findings. Keywords: Quick disability of arm, shoulder, and hand score, mayo elbow performance score, mason classification, headless compression screw, open reduction and internal fixation, radial head fracture.