Comparative Study between Surgical Excision of Radial Head Fracture versus Arthroplasty, a Systematic Review of Literature

Background Radial head fracture is the most frequently diagnosed fracture of the elbow in adults. The radial head is a secondary valgus stabilizer of the joint and it is involved in transmission of axial force load through the elbow during flexion. It is also a varus and external rotatory constraint. Aim of the Work to compare the functional outcome between excision of head radius and Arthroplasty in surgical management of radial head fractures (Mason types III and IV) and to assess the complications of both techniques. Patients and methods This systemic review included subjects suffered comminuted radial head fracture Mason type III or type IV treated by radial head excision or arthroplastyin the last 14 years from 2004 till 2018. Results: The database search identified 152 potentially relevant articles. Abstracts have been analyzed following inclusion and exclusion criteria and a total of 17 papers were selected for the present review. Most of retrospective studies on metal radial head prosthesis have been published in the last ten years in comparison to a lack of studies for radial head excision in the last two decades. Moreover, few articles on comparison of the two surgical techniques have been found. Because of heterogeneity in level of evidence, surgical technique, type of implants, and rehabilitation protocol, we did not perform statistical data analysis. Conclusion No clinical differences between radial head excision and arthroplasty as both methods are considerable regarding complication on long & mid-term follow up and functional outcome assessed by DASH, VAS, MEPS & ROM.

Extracorporeal Reconstruction of the Radial Head

Radial head fractures are common in adults. The radial head acts as an important stabilizer of the radius, especially during the forearm pronation and supination. Surgical treatment of Mason type III fracture of the radial head includes radial head excision, radial head replacement and open reduction and internal fixation. For patients treated with radial head excision, the radius might migrate proximally, causing complications such as chronic pain at the wrist, forearm, and elbow. On the other hand, radial head arthroplasty is associated with a high revision and removal rate. Hence, openreduction and internal fixation are preferred when feasible. This is technically demanding due to the severe displacement of the radial head fragments and limited surgical space. Mr K, a 30-year-old manual worker sustained a closed right radial head fracture Mason type III after an alleged fall. The radial head was displaced anteriorly. Intra-operatively, the radial headpieces were retrieved and were reconstructed extracorporeal and fixed with a miniplate. The patient subsequently recovered with good function. The new technique of extracorporeal reconstruction of the radial head offers a viable option to the surgeon with similar, or even better, outcomes in terms of elbow function.

Radial head excision and Achilles allograft interposition arthroplasty for the treatment of chronic pediatric radiocapitellar pathologies: A report of four cases

Background Severe radiocapitellar pathologies represent a unique problem in the pediatric population, as radial head excision can lead to substantial long-term complications. We present a case series of four pediatric patients treated by a novel technique—radial head excision followed by Achilles allograft interposition arthroplasty. Methods Four children (ages 12–15 years) are described. Their clinical and radiographic outcomes were assessed by a visual analog scale, the Mayo Elbow Performance Score, the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand questionnaire, grip strength, and range of motion. Results At a mean follow-up of two years, the average flexion-extension arc of motion improved from 107° to 131°, and the rotation arc improved from 100° to 154°. The average visual analog scale, Mayo Elbow Performance Score, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand scores were 2, 92.5, and 11.5, respectively. Two patients required subsequent additional procedures—manipulation under anesthesia and ulnar shortening osteotomy. Proximal migration of the radius was observed in three out of the four patients. Discussion Combined radial head excision and Achilles allograft interposition arthroplasty represents a viable option for the treatment of chronic pediatric radiocapitellar pathologies, with good results in terms of clinical and functional outcomes as well as patient satisfaction in the short-medium term.

Indications and outcomes of radial head excision: A systematic review

Background Radial head excision has historically been a common surgical procedure for the operative management of radial head fractures and post-traumatic conditions. With recent advances in other surgical techniques, controversy exists regarding its indications. This review evaluates the indications and outcomes of radial head excision in traumatic and non-traumatic elbow pathology. Methods Multiple databases were searched for studies involving radial head excision. Screening and data abstraction were conducted in duplicate. Only studies reporting outcomes for radial head excision were included. Results Twenty-seven studies with 774 radial head excision patients were included. The most common indications involved acute excision of comminuted radial head fractures (n = 347) and rheumatoid arthritis (n = 201). Post-operative functional scores after acute excision were reported to be good to excellent. In the chronic setting of rheumatoid disease, radial head excision resulted in improved range of motion, although pain was not effectively relieved. Discussion Outcomes of radial head excision for acute fracture are good to excellent; however, it should not be performed when concurrent or ligamentous injuries are present. Although some studies compared excision to open reduction and internal fixation or replacement, more data are needed to make proper conclusions. The strength of these conclusions is limited by the quality of included literature.