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

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.

Overlengthening of the radial column in radial head replacement: a review of the literature and presentation of a classification system

Background Radial head arthroplasty is a common procedure in elbow surgery. It has been shown to be of benefit for the patients, but there also are relevant complications that should be prevented if possible. One significant complication is overlengthening of the radial head prosthesis. In overlengthening, the head of the prosthesis overextends the physiological level of the native radial head and leads to overcompression in the radiohumeral joint. Rapid erosion and arthritic changes may then impede the clinical outcome. The incidence of overlengthening is not precisely known, but estimations range to up to 20% of all implanted prostheses. Methods The present review discusses the available body of literature on overlengthening and lines out a classification system that may be used to guide treatment algorithms. The classification is based on the personal experiences of the author during their clinical practice. Results In low-grade overlengthening (type I) conservative treatment can be an option. In Types II–IV usually revision surgery is needed. Depending on the state of the capitulum and joint stability, it is possible re-implant a prosthesis, or rely on implant removal alone. Discussion The present review aimed at shedding light into overlengthening as a complication radial head replacement and to help identify and treat it.

Prosthetic replacement of the radial head

Background Radial head replacement is an established option in patients with comminuted radial head fractures and complex elbow trauma. While studies demonstrated that asymptomatic radiolucencies around the stem are common, the incidence and clinical significance of bone loss at the proximal part of the radius, just distal to the neck of the prosthesis (collar resorption), is unknown. Objectives The aim of this retrospective study was to analyse the incidence of collar resorption after radial head replacement and investigate whether this correlates with specific patient characteristics such as gender, age, indication for index surgery and the size of implant used. Materials and methods The study group consisted of 30 patients (average age 60.1 years) having undergone prosthetic replacement with a monopolar press-fit implant of the radial head at an average follow-up of 23 months. Indications for surgery included trauma sequelae or revision in 16 patients and acute, unreconstructable fractures of the radial head in 14 cases. Symptoms of loosening and revision surgery were recorded. Radiographs were analysed for signs of lucency between the bone and the implant as well as for signs of resorption of bone mass around the neck (section 1). These values were correlated with age, gender, indication for index surgery and size of implant. Results In all, 28/30 (93.3%) prostheses showed proximal osteolysis around the neck of the shaft. Of the 30, one prosthesis presented signs of shaft loosening. The average amount of osteolysis was 8.78% (range 0–26.1%; ±6.0%) of the overall length of the prosthetic shaft (OL). There was no significant difference (p = 0.49) between the amount of resorption in section 1 between the primary fracture cases (8.75 ± 4.5%; range 1.2–15.8%) and the group of secondary implantations due to degeneration or fracture sequelae (8.8 ± 7.2%; range 0–26.1%). Furthermore, the analysis did not reveal any statistically relevant correlations between the amount of neck resorption and the other cohort characteristics (age, gender, size of the components). Conclusions In the study cohort, a high amount of osteolysis/bone resorption was assessed around the neck of the press-fit radial head prosthesis used. However, no significant correlation between collar resorption, patient demographics and indication for index surgery was found at short-term follow-up.

Patient and Surgeon Factors Associated With Prosthetic Replacement Rather Than With Open Reduction and Internal Fixation of a Radial Head Fracture

Background: The decision between radial head arthroplasty and open reduction internal fixation in the context of a terrible triad elbow fracture-dislocation is debated. This study investigated both surgeon and patient factors associated with surgeons’ recommendations to use arthroplasty. Methods: One hundred fifty-two surgeon members of the Science of Variation Group participated. Surgeons were asked to complete an online survey that included surgeon demographics and 16 patient scenarios. The patient scenarios were randomized using 2 patient variables and 2 anatomical variables. Multilevel logistic mixed regression analysis was performed to identify surgeon and patient variables associated with recommendations for radial head arthroplasty. Results: We found that radial head replacement was recommended in 38% of the scenarios. Scenarios with older patients, with fractures of the whole head, and those involving 3 fracture fragments were independently associated with radial head replacement. Conclusion: We found that most surgeons recommended radial head fracture fixation rather than arthroplasty. Surgeons were more likely to recommend fixation for younger patients with partial articular fractures or with fractures with 3 or fewer fracture fragments. It seems that surgeons are uneasy about using a prosthesis in a young active patient.