scholarly journals Operative Management of Unstable Radial Head Fractures in a Young Active Population

Hand ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 13 (4) ◽  
pp. 473-480 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicholas Kusnezov ◽  
Emmanuel Eisenstein ◽  
John C. Dunn ◽  
Austin Fares ◽  
Justin Mitchell ◽  
...  

Background: Radial head and neck fractures are the most common elbow fracture in the general adult population; however, the optimal treatment for radial head fractures remains a topic of ongoing clinical controversy. The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of return to function, complications, and reoperation following operative management of unstable radial head fractures in a young, active patient population with intense upper extremity demands. Methods: A military health care database was queried for all US military servicemembers undergoing open reduction with internal fixation (ORIF; Current Procedural Terminology [CPT] code: 24665) and radial head arthroplasty (RHA; CPT code: 24666) between 2010 and 2015. All patients with minimum 2-year follow-up were included. Univariate and chi-square analyses were performed to evaluate the association between potential risk factors and the primary outcome measures. Results: A total of 67 ORIF (n = 69 elbows) and 10 RHA patients were included. The average age was 31 ± 8.0 years. At mean follow-up of 3.5 ± 1.1 years, 90% of patients overall were able to return to active military service, 96% of which with unrestricted upper extremity function. Nearly one-third (31.2%) of patients developed at least 1 postoperative complication. RHA has higher overall complication rates (70% vs 48%) when compared with ORIF, but this finding did not reach statistical significance ( P = .073). However, RHA had significantly higher rates of implant failure (20% vs 2.9%, P = .0498). Seventeen (21%) individuals required reoperation, 5 of which (6.3%) were revision procedures. Dislocation, coronoid fracture, and concomitant ligamentous repair portended a significantly increased risk of sustaining 1 or more complications ( P < .05), while dislocation and requirement for ligamentous repair independently predicted revision surgery ( P < .05). Conclusions: Arthroplasty and ORIF are both viable options for treating unstable radial head fractures in a young, athletic population, offering comparable return to function despite increased complications with RHA.

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alvin Chao-Yu Chen ◽  
Chun-Jui Weng ◽  
Chih-Hao Chiu ◽  
Shih-Sheng Chang ◽  
Chun-Ying Cheng ◽  
...  

Abstract Background Radial head arthroplasty (RHA) has been commonly adopted for irreparable radial head fractures while little information is addressed on valgus type injury. The purpose of this study is to report long-term outcomes and radiographic analysis in RHA for valgus type injury with comparison to fracture dislocation injury. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients receiving unilateral RHA with loose-fit, modular metal prosthesis for irreparable radial head fractures between 2004 and 2012. Totally, 33 patients with a mean follow up of 9 years (range, 7 to 15 years) were enrolled and divided into two groups including 14 valgus injuries and 19 fracture-dislocations. Demographics of the patients, injury details, clinical and radiographic outcomes, and correlation analysis were investigated and compared between two groups. Results In patient demographics, significant difference was noted in sex distribution (p = 0.001), lateral collateral ligament involvement (p = 0.000) and time from injury to RHA (p = 0.031) between two groups. No patient underwent subsequent removal or revision of prosthesis. Good to excellent results according to Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) was achieved in 13 and 14 patients in group A and B respectively. Final motion range and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was significantly better in valgus injury group. Radiographic analysis demonstrated fewer patients in valgus injury group presented periprosthetic osteolysis with weak to moderate negative correlation between radiolucency score and MEPS. Conclusions With an average of 9 years follow-up, RHA using loose-fit, modular metal prosthesis achieves encouraging outcomes for both valgus injury and fracture dislocation. In valgus type injury, better motion range, lower disability score and lower incidence of periprosthetic osteolysis is noted while correlation analysis of radiolucency score suggests extended, long-term investigation.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alvin Chao-Yu Chen ◽  
Chun-Jui Weng ◽  
Chih-Hao Chiu ◽  
Shih-Sheng Chang ◽  
Chun-Ying Cheng ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Radial head arthroplasty (RHA) has been commonly adopted for irreparable radial head fractures while little information is addressed on valgus type injury. The purpose of this study is to report long-term outcomes and radiographic analysis in RHA for valgus type injury with comparison to fracture dislocation injury.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients receiving unilateral RHA with loose-fit, modular metal prosthesis for irreparable radial head fractures between 2004 and 2012. Totally, 33 patients with a mean follow up of nine years (range, 7 to 15 years) were enrolled and divided into two groups including 14 valgus injuries and 19 fracture-dislocations. Demographics of the patients, injury details, clinical and radiographic outcomes, and correlation analysis were investigated and compared between two groups.Results: In patient demographics, significant difference was noted in sex distribution, lateral collateral ligament involvement and time from injury to RHA between two groups. No patient underwent subsequent removal or revision of prosthesis. Good to excellent results according to Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) was achieved in 13 and 14 patients in group A and B respectively. Final motion range and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was significantly better in valgus injury group. Radiographic analysis demonstrated fewer patients in valgus injury group presented periprosthetic osteolysis with weak to moderate negative correlation between radiolucency score and MEPS.Conclusions: With an average of nine years follow-up, RHA using loose-fit, modular metal prosthesis achieves encouraging outcomes for both valgus injury and fracture dislocation. In valgus type injury, better motion range, lower disability score and lower incidence of periprosthetic osteolysis is noted while correlation analysis of radiolucency score suggests extended, long-term investigation.


2019 ◽  
Vol 7 (9) ◽  
pp. 1505-1508 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayush Kumar Singh ◽  
Aswini Jidge ◽  
Ujwal Ramteke ◽  
Nivedhitha Venkateswaran ◽  
Hemlata Rokade ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND: Radial head fractures are quite common with incidence 1.5-4% of all adult fractures. The treatment for these fractures depends upon age, type of injury and whether the physics is closed or not. AIM: Comparison between radial head excision versus radial head replacement based on mayo elbow scoring in comminuted radial head fractures. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We did a prospective comparative study comprising 32 patients between age 22-60 years with Mason type II/III radial head fractures at Sir J.J Group of Hospitals, Mumbai. The patients were randomised using the admission day of the week placing 17 patients in the arthroplasty group and 15 patients in the excision group. The patients were followed up for 18-24 months (average 20 months) postoperatively. Results were analysed by the Mayo’s elbow performance score at 6 months and 18 months and were statistically evaluated by unpaired t-test. RESULTS: At 6 months, radial head arthroplasty gave excellent results in 2 patients, good in 5 patients and fair in 8 patients. In excision, there were 5 patients with excellent results at 6 months, 7 with good results and 2 with fair results. At 18 months, of the 17 patients who had undergone head arthroplasty, 2 had excellent results, and the same number had poor results. 7 (46.7%) of the 15 cases who had undergone radial head excision had excellent results. Good results were obtained in 7 cases of each. There was 6 cases (35.3%) of radial head arthroplasty which fell into the fair group. As per Mayo’s score at 6 months follow up, mean and standard deviation (SD) of the scores in arthroplasty was 68.82 and 18.66 respectively & for excision, it was 85.66 and 10.66. At 18 months follow up, it was 75 and 14.89 for arthroplasty & 90.66 and 7.98 for excision. The difference between the results was statistically significant (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Our study shows that long and short-term results of radial head excision are better as compared to arthroplasty in comminuted radial head fractures based on mayo elbow scoring, particularly for dominant upper limbs.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alvin Chao-Yu Chen ◽  
Chun-Jui Weng ◽  
Chih-Hao Chiu ◽  
Shih-Sheng Chang ◽  
Chun-Ying Cheng ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Radial head arthroplasty (RHA) has been commonly adopted for irreparable radial head fractures while little information is addressed on valgus type injury. The purpose of this study is to report long-term outcomes and radiographic analysis in RHA for valgus type injury with comparison to fracture dislocation injury.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients receiving unilateral RHA with loose-fit, modular metal prosthesis for irreparable radial head fractures between 2004 and 2012. Totally, 33 patients with a mean follow up of nine years (range, 7 to 15 years) were enrolled and divided into two groups including 14 valgus injuries and 19 fracture-dislocations. Demographics of the patients, injury details, clinical and radiographic outcomes, and correlation analysis were investigated and compared between two groups.Results: In patient demographics, significant difference was noted in sex distribution, lateral collateral ligament involvement and time from injury to RHA between two groups. No patient underwent subsequent removal or revision of prosthesis. Good to excellent results according to Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) was achieved in 13 and 14 patients in group A and B respectively. Final motion range and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was significantly better in valgus injury group. Radiographic analysis demonstrated fewer patients in valgus injury group presented periprosthetic osteolysis with weak to moderate negative correlation between radiolucency score and MEPS.Conclusions: With an average of nine years follow-up, RHA using loose-fit, modular metal prosthesis achieves encouraging outcomes for both valgus injury and fracture dislocation. In valgus type injury, better motion range, lower disability score and lower incidence of periprosthetic osteolysis is noted while correlation analysis of radiolucency score suggests extended, long-term investigation.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina Galavotti ◽  
Sara Padovani ◽  
Alessandro Nosenzo ◽  
Margherita Menozzi ◽  
Pietro Maniscalco ◽  
...  

Abstract Purpose: The current indication for comminuted radial head fractures is radial head arthroplasty (RHA). The main purpose of this study was to investigate any statistical differences in terms of prosthesis revision or removal and radiographic-degenerative changes by comparing patients who underwent RHA and ligaments repair to those who underwent only RHA implant at minimum two-years follow up. The secondary aim was to delineate a trend profile of RHA implants.Methods: All patients who underwent RHA surgery for traumatic pathology between January 2012 and December 2017 were eligible. Two researchers independently and retrospectively reviewed the patients’ charts and collected the following data: type of prosthesis, associated surgical procedures and revision surgery. They also looked for any radiographic sign of prosthesis loosening, overstuffing, capitellar osteopenia, heterotopic ossification and degenerative changes. No clinical evaluation was performed. Results: In six years 124 RHA were implanted (74 Female, 50 Male, mean age 56). The main diagnoses were: terrible-triad, trans-olecranon fracture and isolated radial head fracture. It was found no significant statistical difference between the two groups, nevertheless the cohort of patients that underwent ligaments repair had a lower revision rate in comparison to the other. Suture of the annular ligament seems to be critical. The overall revision rate was 10.5%.Conclusion:This multi-center study found no evidence that ligaments repair, as an associated surgical procedure, improves RHA longevity, except for annular ligament. Nevertheless, it seems to prevent degenerative changes at mid-term follow-up.


2017 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 1405-1416 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert W. Jordan ◽  
Alistair DR. Jones

Background:Radial head fractures are common elbow injuries in adults and are frequently associated with additional soft tissue and bone injuries.Methods:A literature search was performed and the authors’ personal experiences are reported.Results:Mason type I fractures are treated non-operatively with splinting and early mobilisation. The management of Mason type II injuries is less clear with evidence supporting both non-operative treatment and internal fixation. The degree of intra-articular displacement and angulation acceptable for non-operative management has yet to be conclusively defined. Similarly the treatment of type III and IV fractures remain controversial. Traditional radial head excision is associated with valgus instability and should be considered only for patients with low functional demands. Comparative studies have shown improved results from internal fixation over excision. Internal fixation should only be attempted when anatomic reduction and initiation of early motion can be achieved. Authors have reported that results from fixation are poorer and complication rates are higher if more than three fragments are present. Radial head arthroplasty aims to reconstruct the native head and is indicated when internal fixation is not feasible and in the presence of complex elbow injuries. Overstuffing of the radiocapitellar joint is a frequent technical fault and has significant adverse effects on elbow biomechanics. Modular design improves the surgeon’s ability to reconstruct the native joint. Two randomised controlled trials have shown improved clinical outcomes and lower complication rate following arthroplasty when compared to internal fixation.Conclusion:We have presented details regarding the treatment of various types of radial head fractures - further evidence, however, is still required to provide clarity over the role of these different management strategies.


2021 ◽  
Vol 108 (Supplement_6) ◽  
Author(s):  
A Aslam ◽  
K Pearson ◽  
M Waseem

Abstract Aim Radial head arthroplasty (RHA) is the favoured treatment for complex radial head fractures, enabling functional restoration of elbow kinematics. However, study of long-term outcomes associated with RHA is largely neglected. This study aimed to fill the gap in the literature by firstly, assessing functional outcomes, and secondly, determining complications and rates of revision and/or removal of prosthesis associated with RHA, at our district general hospital. Method We retrospectively reviewed a consecutive single-surgeon series of patients receiving RHA as primary treatment for radial head fractures graded either 3 or 4 according to the Mason-Johnston classification between 2004 and 2009. Function at final follow-up was assessed using Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (q-DASH) score and Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS). Results 16 patients identified; 12 available for final follow-up. Mean follow-up time of 12.60 years (range: 10.67-16.08). Mean q-DASH score of 8.2 (range: 0-34.1). Mean MEPS of 85.83 (range: 50-100) with 11 (91.67%) reporting excellent/good results. All complications occurred within the first year post-operatively. Stiffness was the most common (50%) complication, but additional procedures improved objective range of movement in affected patients. Only one patient required implant revision throughout follow-up, which was due to prosthesis subluxation in the first month. Conclusions This study is amongst the first to examine clinical outcomes associated with RHA with an average follow-up &gt;12 years. Our results emphasise good functional restoration and low implant failure rate. Regular follow-up particularly in the early post-operative period is essential in detecting and resolving complications.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alvin Chao-Yu Chen ◽  
Chun-Jui Weng ◽  
Chih-Hao Chiu ◽  
Shih-Sheng Chang ◽  
Chun-Ying Cheng ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Radial head arthroplasty (RHA) has been commonly adopted for irreparable radial head fractures while little information is addressed on valgus type injury. The purpose of this study is to report long-term outcomes and radiographic analysis in RHA for valgus type injury with comparison to fracture dislocation injury.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients receiving unilateral RHA with loose-fit, modular metal prosthesis for irreparable radial head fractures between 2004 and 2012. Totally, 33 patients with a mean follow up of nine years (range, 7 to 15 years) were enrolled and divided into two groups including 14 valgus injuries and 19 fracture-dislocations. Demographics of the patients, injury details, clinical and radiographic outcomes, and correlation analysis were investigated and compared between two groups.Results: In patient demographics, significant difference was noted in sex distribution (p = 0.001), lateral collateral ligament involvement (p = 0.000) and time from injury to RHA (p = 0.031) between two groups. No patient underwent subsequent removal or revision of prosthesis. Good to excellent results according to Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) was achieved in 13 and 14 patients in group A and B respectively. Final motion range and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was significantly better in valgus injury group. Radiographic analysis demonstrated fewer patients in valgus injury group presented periprosthetic osteolysis with weak to moderate negative correlation between radiolucency score and MEPS.Conclusions: With an average of nine years follow-up, RHA using loose-fit, modular metal prosthesis achieves encouraging outcomes for both valgus injury and fracture dislocation. In valgus type injury, better motion range, lower disability score and lower incidence of periprosthetic osteolysis is noted while correlation analysis of radiolucency score suggests extended, long-term investigation.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alvin Chao-Yu Chen ◽  
Chun-Jui Weng ◽  
Chih-Hao Chiu ◽  
Shih-Sheng Chang ◽  
Chun-Ying Cheng ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Radial head arthroplasty (RHA) has been commonly adopted for irreparable radial head fractures while little information is addressed on valgus type injury. The purpose of this study is to report long-term outcomes and radiographic analysis in RHA for valgus type injury with comparison to fracture dislocation injury.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients receiving unilateral RHA with loose-fit, modular metal prosthesis for irreparable radial head fractures between 2004 and 2012. Totally, 33 patients with a mean follow up of nine years (range, 7 to 15 years) were enrolled and divided into two groups including 14 valgus injuries and 19 fracture-dislocations. Demographics of the patients, injury details, clinical and radiographic outcomes, and correlation analysis were investigated and compared between two groups.Results: In patient demographics, significant difference was noted in sex distribution (p = 0.001), lateral collateral ligament involvement (p = 0.000) and time from injury to RHA (p = 0.031) between two groups. No patient underwent subsequent removal or revision of prosthesis. Good to excellent results according to Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) was achieved in 13 and 14 patients in group A and B respectively. Final motion range and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was significantly better in valgus injury group. Radiographic analysis demonstrated fewer patients in valgus injury group presented periprosthetic osteolysis with weak to moderate negative correlation between radiolucency score and MEPS.Conclusions: With an average of nine years follow-up, RHA using loose-fit, modular metal prosthesis achieves encouraging outcomes for both valgus injury and fracture dislocation. In valgus type injury, better motion range, lower disability score and lower incidence of periprosthetic osteolysis is noted while correlation analysis of radiolucency score suggests extended, long-term investigation.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Alvin Chao-Yu Chen ◽  
Chun-Jui Weng ◽  
Chih-Hao Chiu ◽  
Shih-Sheng Chang ◽  
Chun-Ying Cheng ◽  
...  

Abstract Background: Radial head arthroplasty (RHA) has been commonly adopted for irreparable radial head fractures while little information is addressed on valgus type injury. The purpose of this study is to report long-term outcomes and radiographic analysis in RHA for valgus type injury with comparison to fracture dislocation injury.Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted in patients receiving unilateral RHA with loose-fit, modular metal prosthesis for irreparable radial head fractures between 2004 and 2012. Totally, 33 patients with a mean follow up of nine years (range, 7 to 15 years) were enrolled and divided into two groups including 14 valgus injuries and 19 fracture-dislocations. Demographics of the patients, injury details, clinical and radiographic outcomes, and correlation analysis were investigated and compared between two groups.Results: In patient demographics, significant difference was noted in sex distribution, lateral collateral ligament involvement and time from injury to RHA between two groups. No patient underwent subsequent removal or revision of prosthesis. Good to excellent results according to Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) was achieved in 13 and 14 patients in group A and B respectively. Final motion range and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score was significantly better in valgus injury group. Radiographic analysis demonstrated fewer patients in valgus injury group presented periprosthetic osteolysis with weak to moderate negative correlation between radiolucency score and MEPS.Conclusions: With an average of nine years follow-up, RHA using loose-fit, modular metal prosthesis achieves encouraging outcomes for both valgus injury and fracture dislocation. In valgus type injury, better motion range, lower disability score and lower incidence of periprosthetic osteolysis is noted while correlation analysis of radiolucency score suggests extended, long-term investigation.


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