Clinical Outcome for Failed Radial Head Arthroplasty Treated with Explantation

Abstract

Purpose: Failure after radial head arthroplasty is uncommon, but clinically significant. Treatment for failure may involve implant removal. We describe fourteen patients who underwent implant removal after failed radial head arthroplasty. Methods: A retrospective review was performed to determine the cause of failure and clinical data were prospectively collected. Results: At mean follow up of 38 months the mean VAS for pain score was 3.0 and the mean DASH score was 40.5. The mean MEPS was 69. All patients demonstrated improved elbow range of motion. Mean elbow flexion at final follow up was 124˚ to an average extension deficit of 25˚. Fifty percent of patients exhibited clinical symptoms of cubital tunnel syndrome. Three patients required additional surgery after implant removal. Conclusions: Implant removal for failed radial head arthroplasty improves range of motion and demonstrates acceptable outcomes at intermediate-term follow up. However, 50% of patients developed cubital tunnel syndrome and 21% required revision surgery.