Mason classification of radial head fractures

Changed by Ayush Goel, 27 Sep 2014

Updates to Article Attributes

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The Mason classification is used to classify radial head fractures and is useful when assessing further treatment options 1-2.

  • type I: : nonnon-displaced radial head fractures (or small marginal fractures)
  • type II: : partialpartial articular fractures with displacement (>2mm)
  • type III: : comminutedcomminuted fractures involving the entire radial head
    • IIIa: : fracture of the entire radial neck, with the head completely displaced from the shaft
    • IIIb: : articular fracture involving the entire head, consisting of more than two large fragments
    • IIIc: : fracture with a tilted and impacted articular segment
  • type IV: : fracture of the radial head with dislocation of the elbow joint

In general type I injuries can be treated conservatively whereas type II injuries require open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF). Type III injuries often require early complete excision of the radial head 2

  • -<p>The <strong>Mason classification</strong> is used to classify <a href="/articles/radial-head-fractures" title="Radial Head Fracture">radial head fractures</a> and is useful when assessing further treatment options <sup>1-2</sup>.</p><ul>
  • +<p>The <strong>Mason classification</strong> is used to classify <a href="/articles/radial-head-fractures">radial head fractures</a> and is useful when assessing further treatment options <sup>1-2</sup>.</p><ul>
  • -<strong>type I</strong> : non-displaced radial head fractures (or small marginal fractures)</li>
  • +<strong>type I:</strong> non-displaced radial head fractures (or small marginal fractures)</li>
  • -<strong>type II</strong> : partial articular fractures with displacement (&gt;2mm)</li>
  • +<strong>type II:</strong> partial articular fractures with displacement (&gt;2mm)</li>
  • -<strong>type III</strong> : comminuted fractures involving the entire radial head
  • -<ul>
  • +<strong>type III:</strong> comminuted fractures involving the entire radial head<ul>
  • -<strong>IIIa</strong> : fracture of the entire radial neck, with the head completely displaced from the shaft</li>
  • +<strong>IIIa:</strong> fracture of the entire radial neck, with the head completely displaced from the shaft</li>
  • -<strong>IIIb</strong> : articular fracture involving the entire head, consisting of more than two large fragments</li>
  • +<strong>IIIb:</strong> articular fracture involving the entire head, consisting of more than two large fragments</li>
  • -<strong>IIIc</strong> : fracture with a tilted and impacted articular segment</li>
  • +<strong>IIIc:</strong> fracture with a tilted and impacted articular segment</li>
  • -<strong>type IV</strong> : fracture of the radial head with dislocation of the elbow joint</li>
  • +<strong>type IV:</strong> fracture of the radial head with dislocation of the elbow joint</li>

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