Radial Head Osteochondral Flake Refixation With a Transosseous All-Suture Technique.

Abstract

Elbow dislocations frequently coincide with osteochondral radial head flake fractures, posing a notable risk for subsequent post-traumatic osteoarthritis. While several surgical techniques exist for the reattachment of osteochondral flakes, they often present drawbacks. This article presents a stable fixation of radial head osteochondral fractures using resorbable sutures only. The surgical procedure entails the creation of drill holes through the fragment and radial head, subsequently securing the fragment in place with absorbable sutures in a U-shaped technique. Compared to conventional methods using screws, the presented technique eliminates the need for subsequent implant removal and is economically viable. In summary, this minimally invasive and fragment-preserving approach yields promising clinical outcomes and represents an effective treatment modality for radial head osteochondral fractures in the orthopaedic setting.