Short- to mid-term outcomes of radial head replacement for complex radial head fractures

Abstract

Background: The purpose of the current study was to investigate short- to mid-term outcomes and complications following radial head replacement (RHR) for complex radial head fractures and to identify factors associated with clinical outcomes.Methods: Twenty-four patients with complex radial head fractures were treated by RHR. The mean age of the patients was 49.8 years (range, 19–73 years). Clinical and radiographic outcomes were evaluated for a mean follow-up period of 58.9 months (range, 27–163 months) using the visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain, the Mayo elbow performance score (MEPS), the quick disabilities of the arm, shoulder and hand (Quick-DASH) score, and serial plain radiographs. Complications were also evaluated. Results: At the final follow-up, the mean VAS score, MEPS, and Quick-DASH score were 0.6±1.1, 88.7±11.5, and 19.4±7.8, respectively. The mean range of motion was 132.7o of flexion, 4.7o of extension, 76.2o of pronation, and 77.5o of supination. Periprosthetic lucency was observed in six patients (25%). Heterotopic ossification was observed in four patients (16.7%). Arthritic change of the elbow joint developed in seven patients (29.2%). Capitellar wear was found in five patients (20.8%). Arthritic change of the elbow joint was significantly correlated with MEPS (P=0.047). Four cases of complications (16.6%) were observed, including two cases of major complications (one stiffness with heterotopic ossification and progressive ulnar neuropathy and one stiffness) and two cases of minor complications (two transient ulnar neuropathy).Conclusions: RHR for the treatment of complex radial head fractures yielded satisfactory short- to mid-term clinical outcomes, though radiographic complications were relatively high.

The comparative performance of radial head prostheses in patients younger than and older than 50 years: a systematic review

“…In the under 50 group, indications for implant revision/removal included loosening (N = 6), 8 , 15 , 44 instability (N = 5), 10 , 14 , 23 , 35 , 47 pain (N = 3), 12 implant disassembly (N = 2), 11 , 47 painful capitellar wear (N = 1), 23 stiffness (N = 1), 37 and ankylosis (N = 1). 2 In the over 50 group, indications for implant revision/removal included loosening (N = 6), 33 , 35 , 37 pain (N = 2), 12 , 29 instability (N = 1), 23 and prosthesis dislocation (N = 1). 4 …”

A systematic review and meta-analysis on different stem fixation methods of radial head prostheses during long-term follow-up

“…Strelzow et al conducted a survey on monopolar prostheses and found that the final mean PREE and Quick-DASH scores were 17 ± 3 and 14 ± 3, respectively, with a complication rate of 26% ( Strelzow et al, 2017 ). Baek et al reported satisfactory results of monopolar prostheses for complex radial head fractures, with a mean MEPS of 88.7 ± 11.5 and a mean DASH score of 19.4 ± 7.8 ( Baek et al, 2020 ). In the present study, the rates of complications and reoperation with uncemented monopolar protheses were 24% and 14%, respectively; the rates with cemented monopolar prostheses were 32% and 36%, respectively.…”