Radial Head Implant Arthroplasty

Comminuted Radial Head Fractures Treated with Pyrocarbon Prosthetic Replacement

“…This classification system is helpful in communicating potential management strategies, but final treatment decision (between types II and III) is usually made intraoperatively [11]. Application of prosthesis is clearly indicated in cases of associated valgus or axial instability [23,28]. The use of radial head prostheses is controversial in cases of radial head excision with no apparent valgus or axial instability noted acutely.…”

Functional Outcomes of Fixation Versus Replacement for Comminuted Radial Head Fractures in Adults: A Systematic Review

“…A wide variety of radial head implants have been used since Speed published the first series of ferrule caps for the radial head in 1941 [25] . These include acrylic, cobalt-chromium, titanium and silicone [26] . Many surgeons believe that it is important to preserve the native radial head, whereas others believe that reliable restoration of radio-capitellar contact with a prosthetic radial head may better address the goals of treatment for comminuted fractures [27] .…”

“…Therefore in this review, search Most radial head implants in use today are metal, consisting of cobalt-chrome or titanium. These have been found to restore axial and valgus stability, whereas silicone implants cannot [26] . Comparative clinical evidence supporting a particular design concept for radial head arthroplasty, such as bipolar versus monopolar, cemented versus uncemented, and anatomic versus asymmetric head shape is not yet available [2] .…”

“…Recent clinical outcome studies of metallic radial head arthroplasty systems indicate it is a reasonable option to offer patients with comminuted radial head fractures [19] . Specific complications include synostosis formation, heterotopic ossification, loosening and stiffness [26] . The study by Boulas [33] compared fixation to silastic replacement.…”

Failure of the Interosseous Membrane to Heal With Immobilization, Pinning of the Distal Radioulnar Joint, and Bipolar Radial Head Replacement in a Case of Essex-Lopresti Injury: Case Report

“…1,2 Restoration of radial length is an important aspect of this procedure, and axial understuffing and overstuffing are known to alter elbow kinematics. 3,4 Several authors have reported favorable outcomes of radial head replacement after radial head resection in the presence of an Essex-Lopresti injury.…”