Introduction Malunion of radial head fractures can lead to pain, stiffness and early development of osteoarthritis. While the operative management of acute displaced radial head fractures is well described there is only one published case study of treatment of radial head mal-union by an osteotomy.

Methods Four patients aged between 22 to 51 years with a displaced intra-articular radial head fracture were initially treated non-operatively in this series. They subsequently developed a malunion resulting in loss of motion and pain. Each of these cases were treated with an intra-articular osteotomy and internal fixation within two to six months of their injury. The procedure was performed via a Kochers approach, preserving the lateral ligament complex. An osteotomy was then performed through the site of malunion, with the depressed fragment being elevated, grafted and internally fixed using two compression screws to re-establish the original anatomy. In some cases a capsular release was also performed. They were followed-up for a period of six to 12 months to assess for union, range of motion and pain.

Results All patients reported a marked improvement in elbow movement with significantly reduced pain and better function. On average there was an increase of 40° of elbow flexion and 50° of forearm rotation. There was clinical and radiographic evidence of union in all cases. All four patients were satisfied with the result and were able to resume their pre-injury employment.

Conclusions Malunion of the radial head can be treated successfully by a radial head osteotomy and grafting technique as described in this paper. Each of these cases was performed within six months of the injury before arthritic change of the radiocapitellar joint was irreversible.