Radiocapitellar stability: the effect of soft tissue integrity on bipolar versus monopolar radial head prostheses

Influence of prosthetic design on radiocapitellar concavity-compression stability

“…Although we documented that depth and curvature of the articular dish affect radiocapitellar stability, we do not know the optimum values for these parameters. Nevertheless, our data are scientifically valid, and our testing model simulates that as reported by Beingessner et al, 2 Moon et al, 12 and Chanlalit et al 5 The results of this study warrant further investigation of the design features of radial head implants. Finally, we evaluated the effects of design on only the contribution of concavity compression to radiocapitellar stability.…”

“…Our investigation expands on those by Moon et al 12 and Chanlalit et al 5 Their studies compared radiocapitellar stability between native, monopolar, and bipolar radial heads, with soft-tissues absent (Moon et al) or intact (Chanlalit et al). Chanlalit et al found that radiocapitellar stability is highly dependent on the integrity of the soft tissues with a bipolar implant, but much less so with a monopolar implant.…”

Monobloc radial head prostheses in complex elbow injuries: results after primary and secondary implantation

“…Despite predominantly good clinical results, dislocation of components, implant loosening, overstuffing and radiocapitellar arthritis regularly lead to removal and revision. Recent biomechanical testing showed a higher instability in the bipolar design compared to the monopolar design and the uninjured radial head, especially in cases of severe soft tissue damage [6,14].…”

Current concepts in elbow arthroplasty

“…When choosing a device to replace the radial head, consideration should be given to restoration of the radial length without over- or under-stuffing, 2 restoring the contact mechanics of the native radius and its articulation, 3,4 and using a system that can restore stability to an elbow that has concomitant ligamentous injuries. 5 …”