Advertisement for orthosearch.org.uk
Orthopaedic Proceedings Logo

Receive monthly Table of Contents alerts from Orthopaedic Proceedings

Comprehensive article alerts can be set up and managed through your account settings

View my account settings

Visit Orthopaedic Proceedings at:

Loading...

Loading...

Full Access

General Orthopaedics

THE UNDER-RECOGNISED CAPITELLAR LESION ASSOCIATED WITH RADIAL HEAD FRACTURES (THE PLUCCAR LESION)

12th Combined Meeting of the Orthopaedic Associations (AAOS, AOA, AOA, BOA, COA, NZOA, SAOA)



Abstract

Background

Fractures of the radial head result from an axial force that causes impaction against the capitellum. Associated lesions of the capitellum in this pattern of injury have been previously reported in the orthopaedic literature as an uncommon occurrence.

Methods

All patients presenting to the clinics of the senior surgeon between 1998-2008 with radial head fractures requiring surgery were included. Data collected included demographics (age, gender, side of injury), mechanism, timing of injury and injury type (Mason classification). Intraoperative findings including evidence of union, capitellar injury, associated joint dislocation, collateral ligament injury, and any other fractures around the elbow were documented.

Results

We reviewed 109 consecutive patients presenting with radial head fractures. 67% of the patients were found to have the PLUCCAR lesion, a capitellar slither of cartilage impacted in the radial fracture. Of these, 76.9% of patients with a Mason I injury had a PLUCCAR lesion, 76.7% of patients with Mason II injury had a PLUCCAR lesion, and only 33.3% of patients with Mason III lesion had a PLUCCAR lesion. 13 patients had a pre-existing non-union, 84% of whom had a PLUCCAR lesion. 19 patients were found to have a malunion, 84% of whom were found to have the PLUCCAR lesion.

Conclusion

Injury to the capitellum is commonly associated with radial head fracture. We term impaction of a capitellar fragment in the radius a PLUCCAR lesion. There is an increased incidence of this injury in less comminuted radial head fractures, and in patients presenting with non union or malunion of a radial head fracture.


M Almuderis, Specialty Orthopaedic Group, Sydney Adventist and Norwest Hospitals, University of NSW, 116 Macquarie Street, Parramatta, Sydney, NSW 2150, Australia