Mason classification
Trauma and orthopaedics
Also known as: Mason-Johnston classification · Mason-Klassifikation (Radiusköpfchenfraktur) · Mason sınıflaması (radius başı kırığı) · Mason classification (radial head fractures, with Johnston type IV)
What it is for
Classifies radial head fractures by displacement and comminution; the Johnston addition (type IV) marks a fracture with elbow dislocation.
Classification
| Category | Description |
|---|---|
| Type I | undisplaced fissure or marginal fracture. |
| Type II | displaced partial (marginal sector) fracture, i.e. a segment that is separated, depressed or tilted; later modifications (e.g. Hotchkiss) use more than 2 mm displacement. |
| Type III | comminuted fracture of the whole radial head. |
| Type IV (Johnston) | radial head fracture of any type with dislocation of the elbow. |
Source
Some observations on fractures of the head of the radius with a review of one hundred cases
Br J Surg 1954;42:123–132 (Mason ML); type IV: Johnston GW, Ulster Med J 1962;31:51–56
PMID: 13209035
- Edition
- Mason 1954 (types I–III); type IV added by Johnston 1962 (adopted by Broberg & Morrey 1987)
- Checked on
Summary of the published classification in our own words. Not a substitute for the original publication.
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